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TO V 'Wi ‘!v ; ‘v J ' 'i ■ 






The Yellow God 


BY 

H. RIDER HAGGARD 

Author of ** She,*' ** King Solomon's Mines," 
“ Cleopatra," “ Nada the Lily," etc. 



New York 

CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY 

Publishers 


UF«**.^V ofCON«SESS| 
. Two G- tiies Recivved ? 

: APR 20 1908 


Oouviii' U cJiV.V 



Copyright, 1908, by 
H. Rider Haggard 


All rights reserved 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Sahara Limited 7 

II. The Yellow God 23 

III. Jeeki Tells a Tale 43 

IV. Alan and Barbara 62 

V. Barbara Makes a Speech 75 

VI. Mr. Haswell Loses his Temper ... 89 

VII. The Diary 107 

VIII. The Dwarf Folk 120 

IX. The Dawn 140 

X. Bonsa Town 157 

XI. The Hall of the Dead 172 

XII. The Gold House 190 

XIII. The Feast of Little Bonsa .... 200 

XIV. The Mother of Jeeki 217 

XV. Alan Falls III 234 

XVI. What the Asika Showed Alan . . . 249 

XVII. The End of the Mungana .... 265 

XVIII. A Meeting in the Forest 282 

XIX. The Last of the Asiki 296 

XX. The Asika 311 


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THE YELLOW GOD 


CHAPTEK I 

SAHARA LIMITED 

Sir Egbert Aylward, Bart, M. P., sat in his 
office in the City. It was a very magnificent office, 
quite one of the finest that could be found within 
half a mile of the Mansion House. Its exterior 
was built of Aberdeen granite, a material calcu- 
lated to impress the prospective investor with a 
comfortable sense of security. Other stucco, or 
even brick-built, offices might crumble and fall in 
an actual or financial sense, but this rock-like edi- 
fice of granite, surmounted by a life-sized statue 
of Justice with her scales, admired from either 
corner by pleasing effigies of Commerce and of 
Industry, would surely endure any shock. Earth- 
quake could scarcely shake its strong foundations ; 
panic disaster would as soon affect the Bank of 
England. That at least was the impression that it 
had been designed to convey, and not without 
success. 

“ There is so much in externals,’’ Mr. Champers- 
Haswell, Sir Eobert’s partner, would say in his 
cheerful voice. We are all of us influenced by 
them, however unconsciously. Impress the public, 
my dear Ay 1 ward. Let solemnity without suggest 
opulence within, and the bread, or rather the gran- 
ite, which you throw upon the waters will come 
back to you after many days.” 

Mr. Ay 1 ward, for this conversation occurred be- 


8 


THE YELLOW GOD 


fore his merits or the depth of his purse had been 
rewarded by a Baronetcy, looked at his partner in 
the impassive fashion for which he was famous, and 
answered : 

You mix your metaphors, Haswell, but if you 
mean that the public are fools who must be caught 
by advertisement, I agree with you. Only this par- 
ticular advertisement is expensive and I do not 
want to wait many days for my rew^ard. However, 
£20,000 one way or the other is a small matter, 
so tell that architect to do the thing in granite.” 

Sir Kobert Alyward sat in his own quiet room at 
the back of this enduring building, a very splendid 
room that any Secretary of State might have en- 
vied, but arranged in excellent taste. Its walls 
were panelled with figured teak, a rich carpet made 
the footfall noiseless, an Antique Venus stood upon 
a marble pedestal in the corner, and over the man- 
telpiece hung a fine portrait by Gainsborough, that 
of a certain Miss Alyward, a famous beauty in her 
day, with whom, be it added, its present owner had 
no connection whatsoever. 

Sir Robert was seated at his ebony desk playing 
with a pencil, and the light from a cheerful fire 
fell upon his face. 

In its own way it was a remarkable face, as he 
appeared then in his four and fortieth year; very 
pale but with a natural pallor, very well cut and 
on the whole impressive. His eyes were dark, 
matching his black hair and pointed beard, and his 
nose was straight and rather prominent. Perhaps 
the mouth was his weakest feature, for there was a 
certain shiftiness about it, also the lips were thick 
and slightly sensuous. Sir Robert knew this, and 
therefore he grew a moustache to veil them some- 
what. To a careful observer the general impression 


SAHARA LIMITED 9 

given by this face was such as is left by the sudden 
sight of a waxen mask. How strong! How life- 
like ! he would have said, but of course it isnT 
real. There may be a man behind, or there may be 
wood, but that’s only a mask.” Many people of per- 
ception had felt like this about Sir Robert Ayl- 
ward, namely, that under the mask of his pale coun- 
tenance dwelt a different being whom they did not 
know or appreciate. 

If these had seen him at this moment of the 
opening of our story, they might have held that 
Wisdom was justified of her children. For now in 
the solitude of his splendid office, of a sudden Sir 
Robert’s mask seemed to fall from him. His face 
broke up like ice beneath a thaw. He rose from his 
table and began to walk up and down the room. He 
talked to himself aloud. 

Great Heavens ! ” he muttered, what a game 
to have played, and it will go through. I believe 
that it will go through.” 

He stopped at the table, switched on an electric 
light and made a rapid calculation on the back of 
a letter with a blue pencil. 

Yes,” he said, that’s my share, a million and 
seventeen thousand in cash, and two million in or- 
dinary shares which can be worked off at a dis- 
count — let us say another seven hundred and fifty 
thousand, plus what I have got already — put it at 
only two hundred and fifty thousand net. Two 
millions in all, which of course may or may not be 
added to, probably not, unless the ordinaries boom, 
for I don’t mean to speculate any more. That’s the 
end of twenty years’ work, Robert Aylward. And 
to think of it, eighteen months ago, although I 
seemed so rich, I was on the verge of bankruptcy — • 
the very verge, not worth five thousand pounds. 


10 THE YELLOW GOD 

Now what did the trick? I wonder what did the 
trick.” 

He walked down the room and stopped opposite 
the ancient marble, staring at it — 

Not Venus, I think,” lie said with a laugh, 
“ Venus never made any man rich.” He turned 
and retraced his steps to the other end of the room, 
which was veiled in shadow. Here upon a second 
marble pedestal stood an' object that gleamed 
dimly through the gloom. It was about ten inches 
or a foot high, but in that place nothing more 
could be seen of it, except that it was yellow and 
had the general appearance of a toad. For some 
reason it seemed to attract Sir Kobert Aylward, 
for he halted to stare at it, then stretched out his 
hand and switched on another lamp, in the hard 
brilliance of which the thing upon the pedestal sud- 
denly declared itself, leaping out of the darkness 
into light. It was a terrible object, a monstrosity 
of indeterminate sex and nature, but surmounted 
by a woman^s head and face of extraordinary, if 
devilish loveliness, sunk back between high but 
grotesquely small shoulders, like to those of a 
lizard, so that it glared upwards. The workman- 
ship of the thing was rude yet strangely powerful. 
Whatever there is cruel, whatever there is devilish, 
whatever there is inhuman in the dark places of 
the world, shone out of the jewelled eyes which 
were set in that yellow woman’s face, yellow be- 
cause its substance was of gold, a face which seemed 
not to belong to the embryonic legs beneath, for 
body there was none, but to float above them. A 
hollow, life-sized mask with two tiny frog-like legs, 
that was the fashion of it. 

You are an ugly brute,” said Sir Robert, con- 
templating this effig^^, but although I believe in 


SAHAEA LIMITED 


11 


nothing in heaven above or earth below, except the 
abysmal folly of the British Public, I am bothered 
if I donT believe in you. At any rate from the 
day when Vernon brought you into my office, my 
luck turned, and to judge from the smile on your 
sweet countenance, I don’t think it is done with 
yet. I wonder what those stones are in your eyes. 
Opals, I suppose, from the way they change colour. 
They shine uncommonly to-day, I never remember 

them so bright. I ” 

At this moment a knock came on the door. Sir 
Eobert turned off the lamp and walked back to 
the fireplace. 

Come in,” he said, and as he spoke once more 
his pale face grew impassive and expressionless. 

The door opened and a clerk entered, an impos- 
ing-looking clerk with iron-grey hair, who wore an 
irreproachable frock coat and patent leather boots. 
Advancing to his master, he stood respectfully 
silent, waiting to be addressed. For quite a long 
while Sir Eobert looked over his head as though 
he did not see him; it was a way of his. Then 
his eyes rested on the man dreamily and he re- 
marked in his cold, clear voice: 

I don’t think I rang, Jeffreys.” 

“ No, Sir Eobert,” answered the clerk, bowing 
as though he spoke to Eoyalty, but there is a little 
matter about that article in The Cynic.” 

Press business,” said Sir Eobert, lifting his 
eyebrows ; you should know by this time that I 
do not attend to such details. See Mr. Champers- 
Haswell, or Major Vernon.” 

They are both out at this moment. Sir Eobert.” 

Go on, then, Jeffreys,” replied the head of the 
firm with a resigned sigh, '' only be brief. I am 
thinking.” 


12 


THE YELLOW GOD 


The clerk bowed again. 

The Cynic people have just telephoned through 
about that article we sent them. I think you saw it, 

sir, and you may remember it begins ’’ and he 

read from a typewritten copy in his hand which 
was headed Sahara Limited ’’ : 

‘ We are now privileged to announce that this 
mighty scheme which will turn a desert to a rolling 
sea bearing the commerce of nations and cause the 
waste places of the earth to teem with population 
and to blossom like the rose, has been completed 
in its necessary if dull financial details and will 
within a few days be submitted to the investors 
among whom it has already caused so much ex- 
citement. On these details we will deal with fully 
in succeeding articles, and therefore now need onl}^ 
pause to say that the basis of capitalization 
strikes us as wonderfully advantageous to the for- 
tunate public who are asked to participate in its 
vastly prospective prosperity. Our present ob- 
ject is to deal with its national and imperial as- 
pects 

Sir Robert lifted his eyes in remonstrance: 

How much more of that exceedingly dull and 
commonplace puff do you propose to read, Jef- 
freys? he asked. 

No more. Sir Robert. We are paying The 
Cynic thirty guinease to insert this article, and the 
point is that they say that if they have to put in 
the ‘ national and imperial ’ business they must 
have twenty more.’^ 

Indeed, Jeffreys? Why? ” 

Because, Sir Robert — I will tell you, as you al- 
ways like to hear the truth — their Advertisement- 
editor is of opinion that Sahara Limited is a 
national and imperial swindle. He says that he 


.SAHARA LIMITED 13 

won’t drag the nation and the empire into it in an 
editorial under fifty guineas.” 

A faint smile fiickered on Sir Robert’s face. 

‘^Does he, indeed?” he asked. I wonder at 
his moderation. Had I been in his place I should 
have asked more, for really the style is a little 
flamboyant. Well, we don’t want to quarrel with 
them just now — feed the sharks. But surely, Jef- 
freys, you didn’t come to disturb me about such a 
trifle? ” 

“ Not altog^her. Sir Robert. There is some- 
thing more important. The Daily Judge not only 
declines to put in any article whatsoever, but re- 
fuses our advertisement, and states that it means 
to criticize the prospectus trenchantly.” 

Ah ! ” said his master after a moment’s thought, 

that is rather serious, since people believe in the 
Judge even when it is wrong. Offer them the ad- 
vert isem^t at treble rates.” 

It has been done, sir, and they still refuse.” 

Sir Robert walked to the corner of the room 
where the yellow object squatted on its pedestal, 
and contemplated it a while, as a man often studies 
one thing when he is thinking of another. It seemed 
to give him an idea, for he looked over his shoulder 
and said. 

“ That will do, Jeffreys. When Major Vernon 
comes in, give him my compliments and say that 
I should be obliged by a word or two with him.” 

The clerk bowed and went as noiselessly as he 
had entered. 

Let’s see,” added Sir Robert to himself. Old 
Jackson, the editor of The Judge y was a great friend 
of Vernon’s father, the late Sir William Vernon, 
G. C. B. I believe that he was engaged to be mar- 
ried to his sister years ago, only she died or some- 


14 


THE YELLOW GOD 


thing. So the Major ought to be able to get round 
him if anybody can. Only the worst of it is I 
don’t altogether trust that young gentleman. It 
suited ns to give him a share in the business be- 
cause he is an engineer who knows the country, and 
this Sahara scheme was his notion, a very good 
one in a way, and for other reasons. Now he 
shows signs of kicking over the traces, wants to 
know too much, is developing a conscience, and so 
forth. As though the promoters of speculative 
companies had any business with consciences. Ah ! 
here he comes.” 

Sir Robert seated himself at his desk and re- 
sumed his calculations upon a half-sheet of note- 
paper, and that moment a clear, hearty voice was 
heard speaking to the clerks in the outer office. 
Then came the sound of a strong, firm footstep, 
the door opened and Major Alan Vernon appeared. 

He was still quite a young man, not more than 
thiry-two or three years of age, though he lacked 
the ultra robust and rubicund appearance which 
is typical of so many Englishmen of his class at 
this period of life. A heavy bout of black water 
fever acquired on service in West Africa, 
which would have killed anyone of weaker consti- 
tution, had robbed his face of its bloom and left 
it much sallower, if more interesting than once it 
had been. For in a way there was interest about 
the face ; also a certain charm. It was a good and 
honest face with a rather eager, rather puzzled 
look, that of a man who has imagination and ideas 
and who searches for the truth but fails to find it. 
As for the charm, it lay for the most part in the 
pleasant, open smile and in the frank but rather 
round brown eyes overhung by a somewhat massive 
forehead which projected a little, or perhaps the 


SAHARA LIMITED 15 

severe illness already alluded to had caused the 
rest of the face to sink. Though thin, the man was 
bigly built, with broad shoulders and well-developed 
limbs, measuring a trifle under six feet in height. 

Such was the outward appearance of Alan Ver- 
non. As for his mind, it was able enough in certain 
fashions, for instance those of engineering, and the 
soldier-like faculties to which it had been trained; 
frank and kindly also, but in other respects not 
quick, perhaps from its unsuspiciousness. Alan 
Vernon was a man slow to discover ill and slower 
still to believe in it even when it seemed to be dis- 
covered, a weakness that may have gone far to ac- 
count for his presence in the office of those emi- 
nent and brilliant flnanciers, Messrs. Aylward & 
Champers-Haswell. Just now he looked a little 
worried, like a fish out of water, or rather a fish 
which has begun to suspect the quality of the water, 
something in its smell and taste. 

Jeffreys tells me that you want to see me about 
something. Sir Robert,’’ he said in his low and 
pleasant voice, looking at the baronet rather anx- 
iously. 

“ Yes, my dear Vernon, I want to ask you to do 
something, if you kindly will, although it is not 
quite in your line. Old Jackson, the editor of The 
Judge, is a friend of yours, isn’t he? ” 

He was a friend of my father’s and I used to 
know him slightly.” 

‘‘Well, that’s near enough. As I daresay you 
have heard, he is an unreasonable old beggar, and 
has taken a dislike to our Sahara scheme. Some- 
one has set him against it and he refuses to receive 
advertisements, threatens criticisms, etc. Now the 
opposition of The Judge or any other paper won’t 
kill us, and if necessary we can fight him, but at 


16 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the same time it is always wise to agree with your 
enemy while he is in the way, and in short — would 
you mind going down and explaining his mistake 
to him? ” 

Before answering Major Vernon walked to the 
window leisurely and looked out. 

I don’t like asking favours from family friends,” 
he replied at length, “ and, as you said, I think it 
isn’t quite my line. Though of course if it has any- 
thing to do with the engineering possibilities, I shall 
be most happy to see him,” he added, brightening. 

I don’t know what it has to do with; that is 
what I shall be obliged if you will find out,” an- 
swered Sir Robert with some asperity. One 
can’t divide a matter of this sort into watertight 
compartments. It is true that in so important a 
concern each of us has charge of his own division, 
but the fact remains that we are jointly and sev- 
erally responsible for the whole. I am not sure that 
you bear this sufficiently in mind, my dear Vernon,” 
he added with slow emphasis. 

His partner moved quickly ; it might almost have 
been said that he shivered, though whether the 
movement, or the shiver, was produced by the ar- 
gument of joint and several liability or by the fa- 
miliarity of the my dear Vernon,” remains uncer- 
tain. Perhaps it was the latter, since although the 
elder man was a baronet and the younger only a re- 
tired Major of Engineers, the gulf between them, as 
any one of discernment could see, was as wide as 
that which separated Dives and Lazarus in the par- 
able. They were born and lived and moved in dif- 
ferent spheres unbridged by any common element 
or impulse. 

I think that I do bear it in mind, especially of 
late. Sir Robert,” answered Alan Vernon slowly. 


SAHARA LIMITED 17 

His partner threw a searching glance on him, 
for he felt that there was meaning in the words, 
but only said: 

That’s all right. My motor is outside and will 
take you to Fleet Street in no time. Meanwhile 
you might tell them to telephone that you are com- 
ing, and perhaps you will just look in when you get 
back. I haven’t got to go to the House to-night, 
so shall be here till dinner time, and so, I think, 
will your cousin Haswell. Muzzle that old bull- 
dog somehow. No doubt he has his price like the 
rest of them, in meal or malt, and you needn’t stick 
at the figure. We don’t want him hanging on our 
throat for the next week or two.” 

Ten minutes later the splendid, two-thousand 
guinea motor brougham drew up at the offices of 
the Judge and the obsequious motor-footman bowed 
Major Vernon through its rather grimy doorway. 
Within a small boy in a kind of box asked his bus- 
iness, and when he heard his name, said that the 
Guvnor ” had sent down word that he was to go 
up at once — ^third fioor, first to the right and sec- 
ond to the left. So up he went, and when he reached 
the indicated locality was taken possession of by 
a worried-looking clerk who had evidently been 
waiting for him, and almost thrust through a door 
to find himself in a big, worn, untidy room. At 
a huge desk in this room sat an elderly man, also 
big, worn, and untidy-looking, who waved a long 
slip of galley proof in his hand, and was engaged 
in scolding a sub-editor. 

“ Who is that? ” he said, wheeling round. I’m 
busy, can’t see anyone.” 

I beg your pardon,” answered the Major with 
humility, ^^your people told me to come up. My 
name is Alan Vernon.” 


18 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Oh I I remembcir. Sit down for a moment, will 
you, and — Mr. Thomas, oblige me by taking away 
this rot and rewriting it entirely in the sense I 
have outlined/^ 

Mr. Thomas snatched his rejected copy and van- 
ished through another door, whereon his chief re- 
marked in an audible voice : 

That man is a perfect fool. Lucky I thought 
to look at his stuff. Well, he is no worse than 
the rest, in this weary world,’^ and he burst into a 
hearty laugh and swung his chair round, adding, 
Now then, Alan, what is it? I have a quarter 
of an hour at your service. Why, bless me ! I was 
forgetting that it^s more than a dozen years since 
we met, when you were still a boy then and, now 
you have left the army with a D. S. O. and a gratu- 
ity, and turned financier, which I think wouldn’t 
have pleased your old father. Come, sit down here 
and let us talk.” 

I didn’ t leave the army, Mr. Jackson,” an- 
swered his visitor ; it left me ; I was invalided out. 
They said I should never get my health back after 
that last go of fever, but I did.” 

Ah ! bad luck, very bad luck, just at the begin- 
ning of what should have been a big career, for I 
know they thought highly of you at the War Office, 
that is, if they can think. Well, you have grown into 
a fine-looking fellow, like your father, very, and 
someone else too,” and he sighed, running his fin- 
gers through his grizzled hair. But you don’t 
remember her; she was before your time. Now let 
us get to business; there’s no time for reminiscences 
in this office. What is it, Alan, for like other 
people I suppose that you want something? ” 

^^It is about that Sahara flotation, Mr. Jackson,” 
he began rather doubtfully. 


19 


SAHARA LIMITED 

The old editor^s massive face darkened. “ The 

Sahara flotation! That accursed ” and he 

ceased abruptly. ^^What have you, of all people 
in the world, got to do witliiit? Oh! I remember. 
Someone told me you had gone into partnership 
with Aylward the company promoter, and that 
little beast, Champers-Haswell, who really is the 
clever one. Well, set it out, set it out.’^ 

It seems, Mr. Jackson, that The Judge has re- 
fused not only* our article, but also the advertise- 
ment of the company. I don^t know much about 
this side of the affair myself, but Sir Robert asked 
me if I would come round and see if things couldn’t 
be arranged.” 

You mean that the man sent you to try and 
work on me because he knew that I used to be 
intimate with your family. Well, it is a poor er- 
rand and will have a poor end. You can’t — no 
one on earth can, while I sit in this chair, not even 
my proprietors.” 

There was silence broken at last by Alan, who 
remarked awkwardly: 

“If that is so, I must not take up your time 
any longer.” 

“ I said that I would give you a quarter of an 
hour, and you have only been here four minutes. 
Now, Alan Vernon, tell me as your father’s old 
friend, why have you gone to herd with these 
gilded swine? ” 

There was something so earnest about the man’s 
question that it did not even occur to his visitor to 
resent its roughness. 

“ Of course it is not original,” he answered, “ but 
I had this idea about flooding the Desert; I spent 
a furlough up there a few years ago and employed 
my time in making some rough surveys. Then I 


20 


THE YELLOW GOD 


was obliged to leave the Service and went down 
to Yarleys after my father^s death — it’s mine now, 
you know, but worth nothing except a shooting 
rent, which just pays for the repairs. There I met 
Champers-Haswell, who lives near and is a kind 
of distant cousin of mine — my mother was a Cham- 
pers, and happened to mention the thing to him. 
He took it up at once and introduced me to Ayl- 
ward, and the end of it was, that they offered me a 
partnership with a small share in the business, be- 
cause they said I was just the man they wanted.” 

Just the man they wanted,” repeated the editor 
after him. Yes, the last of the Vernons, an en- 
gineer with a great name in his county, a clean 
record and plenty of ability. Yes, you would be 
just the man they wanted. And you accepted? ” 

Yes. I was on my beam ends with nothing to 
do; I wanted to make some money. You see Yar- 
leys has been in the family for over five hundred 
years, and it seemed hard to have to sell it. Also — 
also ” and he paused. 

Ever meet Barbara Champers? ” asked Mr. 
Jackson inconsequently. did once. Wonder- 
fully nice girl, and very good-looking too. But of 
course you know her, as she is her uncle’s ward, 
and their place isn’t far off Yarleys, you say. 
Must be a connection of yours also.” Major Vernon 
started a little at the name and his face seemed to 
redden. 

“ Yes,” he said, “ I have met her and she is a 
connection.” 

Will be a big heiress one day, I think,” went 
on Mr. Jackson, unless old Haswell makes off with 
her money. I think Aylward knows that; at any 
rate he was hanging about when I saw her.” 

Vernon started again, this time very perceptibly. 


SAHARA LIMITED 21 

“ Very natural — your going into the business, I 
mean, under all the circumstances,’’ went on Mr. 
Jackson. “ But now, if you will take my advice, 
you’ll go out of it as soon as you can.” 

'' Why? ” 

Because, Alan Vernon, I am sure you don’t 
want to see your name dragged in the dirt, any 
more than I do.” He fumbled in a drawer and 
produced a typewritten sheet. Take that,” he 
said, and study it at your leisure. It’s a sketch 
of the financial career of Messrs Aylward and 
Champers-Haswell, also of the companies which 
they have promoted and been connected with, and 
what has happened to them and to those who in- 
vested in them. A man got it out for me yesterday 
and I’m going to use it. As regards this Sahara 
business, you think it all right, and so it is from 
an engineering point of view, but you will never 
live to see that sea which the British Public is 
going to be asked to find so many millions to make. 
Look here. We have only three minutes more, so 
I will come to the point at once. It’s Turkish ter- 
ritory, isn’t it? and putting aside everything else, 
the security for the whole thing is a Firman from 
the Sultan?” 

Yes, Sir Robert Aylward and Haswell procured 
it in Constantinople. I have seen the document.” 

Indeed, and are you well acquainted with the 
Sultan’s signature? I know when they were there 
last autumn that potentate was very ill ” 

You mean ” said Major Vernon, looking up. 

I mean, Alan, that I like not the security. I 
won't say anv more, as there is a law of libel in 
this land. But The Judge has certain sources of 
information. It may be that no protest will be 
made at once, for baksheesh can stop it for a while. 


22 


THE YELLOW GOD 


but sooner or later the protest or repudiation will 
come, and perhaps some international bother; also 
much scandal. As to the scheme itself, putting 
everything else aside, it is shamelessly over-capital- 
ized for the benefit of the promoters — of whom, re- 
member, Alan, you will appear as one. Now timers 
up. Perhaps you will take my advice, and perhaps 
you won’t, but there it is for what it’s worth as 
that of a man of the world and an old friend of 
your family. As for your puff article and your 
prospectus, I wouldn’t put them in The Judge if 
you paid me a thousand pounds, which I daresay 
your friend, Aylward, would be quite ready to do. 
Good-bye. Come and see me again sometime, and 
tell me what has happened — and, I say ” — this last 
was shouted through the closing door, — give my 
kind regards to Miss Barbara, for wherever she 
happens to live, she is an honest woman. 


CHAPTEE II 


THE YELLOW GOD 

Alan Vernon walked thoughtfully down the 
lead-covered stairs, hustled by eager gentlemen 
hurrying up to see the great editor, whose bell was 
already ringing furiously, and was duly ushered 
by the obsequious assistant-chauffeur back into the 
luxurious motor. There was an electric lamp in 
this motor, and by the light of it, his mind being 
perplexed, he began to read the typewritten docu- 
ment given by Mr. Jackson, which he still held in 
his hand. 

As it chanced they were blocked for a quarter of 
an hour near the Mansion House, so that he found 
time, if not to master it, at least to gather enough 
of its contents to make him open his brown eyes 
very wide before the motor pulled up at the granite 
doorway of his office. Alan descended from the 
machine, which departed silently, and stood for a 
moment wondering what he should do. His im- 
pulse was to jump into a bus and go straight to 
his rooms or his club, to which Sir Kobert did not 
belong, but being no coward, he dismissed it from 
his mind. 

His fate hung in the balance, of that he was 
well aware. Either he must disregard Mr. Jack- 
son’s warning, confirmed as it was by many secret 
fears and doubts of his own, and say nothing ex- 
cept that he had failed in his mission, or he must 
take the bull by the horns and break with the 

23 


24 


THE YELLOW GOD 


firm. To do the latter meant not only a good deal 
of moral courage, but practical ruin, whereas if 
he chose the former course, probably within a fort- 
night he would find himself a rich man. Whatever 
Jackson and a few others might say in its deprecia- 
tion, he was certain that the Sahara dotation would 
go through, for it was underwritten, of course upon 
terms, by responsible people, moreover the unissued 
preferred shares had already been dealt in at a 
heavy premium. Now to say nothing of the allot- 
ment to which he was entitled upon his holding in 
the parent Syndicate, the proportion of cash due 
to him as a partner, would amount to quite a hun- 
dred thousand pounds. In other words, he, who 
had so many reasons for desiring money, would be 
y' wealthy. After working so hard and undergoing 
so much that he felt to be humiliating and even 
degrading, why should he not take his reward and 
clear out afterwards? 

This he remembered he could do, since probably 
by some oversight of Aylward^s, who left such mat- 
ters to his lawyers, his deed of partnership did not 
bind him to a fixed term. It could be broken at 
any moment. To this argument there was only one 
possible answer, that of his conscience. If once 
he were convinced that things were not right, it 
would be dishonest to participate in their profits. 
And he was convinced. Mr. Jackson’s arguments 
and his damning document had thrown a fiood of 
light upon many matters which he had suspected 
but never quite understood. He was the partner 
of, well, adventurers, and the money which he re- 
ceived would in fact be filched from the pockets of 
unsuspecting persons. He would vouch for that 
of which he was doubtful and receive the price of 
sharp practice. In other words he, Alan Vernon, 

$ 


THE YELLOW GOD 


25 


wlio had never uttered a wilful untruth or taken a 
halfpenny that was not his own, would before the 
tribunal of his own mind, stand convicted as a liar 
and a thief. The thing was not to be borne. At 
whatever cost it must be ended. If he were fated 
to be a beggar, at least he would be an honest 
beggar. 

With a firm step and a high head he walked 
straight into Sir Robert’s room, without even going 
through the formality of knocking, to find Mr. 
Champers-Haswell seated at the ebony desk bv 
his partner’s side examining some document 
through a reading-glass, which on his appearance, 
was folded over and presently thrust away into a 
drawer. It seemed, Alan noticed, to be of an un- 
usual shape and written in some strange character. 

Mr. Haswell, a stout, jovial-looking little man 
with a fiorid complexion and white hair, rose at 
once to greet him. 

How do you do, Alan,” he said in a cheerful 
voice, for as a cousin by marriage he called him by 
his Christian name. I am just this minute back 
from Paris, and you will be glad to learn that 
they are going to support us very well there ; in fact 
I may say that the Government has taken it up, of 
course under the rose. You know the French have 
possessions all along that coast and they won’t be 
sorry to find an opportunity of stretching out their 
hand a little further. Our difficulties as to the cap- 
ital are at an end, for a full third of it is guaran- 
teed in Paris, and I expect that small investors and 
speculators for the rise will take a lot more. We 
shall plant £10,000,000 worth of Sahara scrip in 
sunny France, my boy, and foggy England has 
underwritten the rest. It will be a case of ^ letters 
of allotment and regret, and regret, Alan, finan- 


26 


THE YELLOW GOD 


cially the most successful issue of the last dozen 
years. What do you say to that? ’’ and in his 
elation the little man puffed out his chest and 
pursing up his lips, blew through them, making a 
sound like that of wind among wires. 

I donT know, Mr. Haswell. If we are all 
alive I would prefer to answer the question twelve 
months hence, or later, when we see whether the 
company is going to be a practical success as well, 
or not.’’ 

Again Mr. Haswell made the sound of wind 
among wires, only this time there was a shriller 
note in it ; its mellowness was gone, it Avas as though 
the air had suddenly been filled with frost. 

A practical success ! ” he repeated after him. 

That is scarcely our affair, is it? Promoters 
should not bother themselves with long views, Alan. 
These may be left to the investing public, the specu- 
lative parson and the maiden lady who likes a 
fiutter — those props of English enterprise. But 
what do you mean? You originated this idea and 
always said that the profits should be great.” 

Yes, Mr. Haswell, on a moderate capitalization 
and provided that we are sure of the co-operation 
of the Porte.” 

Mr. Haswell looked at him very searchingly and 
Sir Robert, who had been listening, said in his cold 
voice : 

I think that we thrashed out these points long 
ago, and to tell you the truth I am rather tired 
of them, especially as it is too late to change any- 
thing. How did you get on with Jackson, Ver- 
non? ” 

I did not get on at all, Sir Robert. He will 
not touch the thing on any terms, and indeed means 
to oppose it tooth and nail.” 


THE YELLOW GOD 27 

Then he will find himself in a minority when 
the articles come out to-morrow. Of course it is 
a bore, but we are strong enough to snap our fingers 
at him. You see they don’t read The Judge in 
France, and no one has ever heard of it in Constan- 
tinople. Therefore we have nothing to fear — so 
long as we stick together,” he added meaningly. 

Alan felt that the crisis had come. He must 
speak now or for ever hold his peace; indeed Ayl- 
ward was already looking round for his hat. 

Sir Robert and Mr. Haswell,” he broke in rather 
nervously, I have something to say to you, some- 
thing unpleasant,” and he paused. 

Then please say it at once, Vernon. I want to 
dress for dinner, I am going to the theatre to-night 
and must dine early,” replied Aylward in a voice 
of the utmost concern. 

It is. Sir Robert,” went on Alan with a rush, 
that I do not like the lines upon which this busi- 
ness is being worked, and I wish to give up my in- 
terest in it and retire from the firm, as I have a 
right to do under our deed of partnership.” 

Have you? ” said Aylward. Really, I forget. 
But, my dear fellow, do not think that we should 
wish to keep you for one moment against your will. 
Only, might I ask, has that old puritan, Jackson, 
hypnotized you, or is it a case of sudden madness 
after influenza? ” 

It is neither,” answered Alan sternly, for al- 
though he might be diffident on matters that he did 
not thoroughly understand, he was not a man to 
brook trifling or impertinence. It is what I have 
said, neither more nor less. I am not satisfied either 
as to the capitalization or as to the guarantee that 
the enterprise can be really carried out. Further” — 
and he paused, — Further, I should like what I 


28 


THE YELLOW GOD 


have never yet been able to obtain, more information 
as to that Firman under which the concession is 
granted.’’ 

For one moment a sort of tremor passed over 
Sir Robert’s impassive countenance, while Mr. Has- 
well uttered his windy whistle, this time in a tone 
of plaintive remonstrance. 

‘‘ As you have formally resigned your membership 
of the firm, I do not see that any useful purpose 
can be served by discussing such matters. The full- 
est explanations, of course, we should have been 
willing to give ” 

My dear Alan,” broke in Mr. Champers-Has- 
well, who was quite upset, I do implore you to 
refiect for one moment, for your own sake. In a 
single week you would have ^ been a wealthy man; 
do you really mean to throw away everything for 
a whim? ” 

Perhaps Vernon remembers that he holds over 
1700 of the Syndicate shares which we have worked 
up to £18, and thinks it wiser to capture the profit 
in sight, generally speaking a very sound prin- 
ciple,” interrupted Aylward sarcastically. 

You are mistaken. Sir Robert,” replied Alan, 
fiushing. The way that those shares have been 
artificially put up is one of the things to which I 
most object. I shall only ask for mine the face 
value of which I paid for them.” 

Now notwithstanding their experience, both of 
the senior partners did for a moment look rather 
scared. Such folly, or such honesty, was absolutely 
incredible to them. They felt that there must be 
much behind. Sir Robert, however, recovered in- 
stantly. 

‘^Very well,” he said; “it is not for us to dic- 
tate to you ; you must make your own bed and lie 


THE YELLOW GOD 29 

on it. To argue or remonstrate would only be rude.’^ 
He put out his hand and pushed the button of an 
electric bell, adding as he did so, Of course we 
understand one thing, Vernon, namely, that as a 
gentleman and a man of honour you will make no 
public use of the information which you have 
acquired during your stay in this office, either to 
our detriment, personal or financial, or to your 
own advantage.’’ 

Certainly you may understand that,” replied 
Vernon. Unless my character is attacked and it 
becomes necessary for me to defend myself, my lips 
are sealed.” 

That will never happen — why should it?” said 
Sir Robert with a polite bow. 

The door opened and the head clerk, Jeffreys, 
appeared. 

Mr. Jeffreys,” said Sir Robert, please find up 
the deed of partnership between Major Vernon and 
ourselves, and bring it here. One moment. Please 
make out also a transfer of Major Vernon’s par- 
cel of Sahara Syndicate shares to Mr. Champers- 
Haswell and myself at par value, and fill in a 
cheque for the amount. Please remove also Major 
Vernon’s name wherever it appears in the proof 
prospectus, and — yes— one thing more. Telephone 
to Specton — the Right Honourable the Earl of 
Specton, I mean, and say that after all I have been 
able to arrange that he shall have a seat on the 
Board and a block of shares at a very moderate 
figure, and that if he will wire his assent, his name 
shall be put into the prospectus. You approve, 
don’t you, Haswell? — yes — then that is all, I think, 
Jeffreys, only please be as quick as you can, for 
I want to get away.” 

Jeffreys, the immaculate and the impassive, 


30 


THE YELLOW GOD 


bowed, and casting one swift glance at Vernon out 
of the corner of his eye, departed. 

What is called an awkward pause ensued ; in fact 
it was a very awkward pause. The die was cast, the 
matter ended, and what were the principals to do 
until the ratifications had been exchanged or, a 
better simile perhaps, the decree nisi pronounced 
absolute. Mr. Champers-Haswell remarked that 
the weather was very cold for April, and Alan 
agreed with him, while Sir Robert found his hat 
and brushed it with his sleeve. Then Mr. Haswell, 
in desperation, for in minor matters he was a kindly 
sort of man who disliked scenes and unpleasantness, 
muttered something as to seeing him — Alan — at the 
Court of Hertfordshire from Saturday to Monday. 

“ That was the arrangement,’’ answered Alan 
bluntly, but i>ossibly after what has happened you 
will not wish that it should be kept.” 

Oh ! why not, why not? ” said Mr. Haswell. 

Sunday is a day of rest when we make it a rule 
not to talk business, and if we did, perhaps we 
might all change our minds about these matters. 
Sir Robert is coming, and I am sure that your 
cousin Barbara will be very disappointed if you do 
not turn up, for she understands nothing about 
these city things which are Greek to her.” 

At the mention o^ the name of Barbara Sir 
Robert Aylward looked up from the papers which 
he affected to be tidying, and Alan thought that 
there was a kind of challenge in his eyes. A mo- 
ment before he had made up his mind that no 
power on earth would induce him to spend a Sun- 
day with his late partners at the Court. Now, 
acting upon some instinct or impulse, he reversed 
his opinion. 

Thanks,” he said, if that is understood, I 


THE YELLOW GOD 31 

shall be happy to come. I will drive over from 
parleys in time for dinner to-morrow. Perhaps 
you will say so to Barbara.^’ 

She will be glad, I am sure,’’ answered Mr. 
Haswell, for she told me the other day that she 
wants to consult you about some outdoor theatricals 
that she means to get up in July.” 

In July! ” answered Alan with a little laugh. 

I wonder where I shall be in July.” 

Then came another pause, which seemed to af- 
fect even Sir Eobert’s nerves, for abandoning the 
papers, he walked down the room till he came to 
the golden object on the stand that has been de- 
scribed, and for the second time that day stood 
there contemplating it. 

This thing is yours, Vernon,” he said, and 
now that our relations are at an end, I suppose 
that you will want to take it away. What is its 
history? You never told me.” 

Oh ! that’s a long story,” answered Alan in an 
absent voice. My uncle, who was a missionary, 
brought it from West Africa. I rather forget the 
facts, but Jeeki, my negro servant, knows them all, 
for as a lad my uncle saved him from sacrifice, or 
something, in a place where they worship these 
things, and he has been with us ever since. It is a 
fetish with magical powers and all the rest of it. 
I believe they call it the Swimming Head and 
other names. If you look at it, you will see that 
it seems to swim between the shoulders, doesn’t it? ” 
Yes,” said Sir Kobert, “ and I admire the 
beautiful beast. She is cruel and artistic, like — 
like finance. Look here, Vernon, we have quarrelled, 
and of course henceforth are enemies, for it is no 
use mincing matters, only fools do that. But in a 
way you are being hardly treated. You could get 


32 


THE YELLOW GOD 


£10 apiece to-day for tliose shares of yours on the 
market, and I am paying you £1. I understand 
your scruples, but there is no reason why we 
should not square things. This fetish of yours 
has brought me luck, so let’s do a deal. Leave it 
here, and instead of a cheque for £1700, 1 will make 
you one out for £17,000.” 

^‘That’s a very liberal offer,” said Vernon. 

Give me a moment to think it over.’ 

Then he also walked into the corner of the room 
and contemplated the golden mask that seemed to 
float between the frog-like shoulders. The shimmer- 
ing eyes drew his eyes, though what he saw in them 
does not matter. Indeed he could never remember. 
Only when he straightened himself again there was 
left on his mind a determination that not for sev- 
enteen or for seventy thousand pounds would he 
part with his ownership in this very unique fetish. 

No, thank you,” he said presently. I don’t 
think I will sell the Yellow God, as Jeeki calls it. 
Perhaps you will kindly keep her here for a week 
or so, until I make up my mind where to stow her.” 

Again Mr. Champers-Haswell uttered his windy 
whistle. That a man should refuse £17,000 for a 
bit of African gold Avorth £100 or so, struck him as 
miraculous. But Sir Robert did not seem in the 
least surprised, only very disappointed. 

“ I quite understand your dislike to selling,” he 
said. Thank you for leaving it here for the pres- 
ent to see us through the flotation,” and he laughed. 

At that moment Jeffreys entered the room with 
the documents. Sir Robert handed the deed of part- 
nership to Alan, and when he had identified it, took 
it from him again and threw it on the fire, saying 
that of course the formal letter of release would 
be posted and the dissolution notified in the Gazette. 


33 


THE YELLOW GOD 

Then the transfer was signed and the cheque de- 
livered. 

Well, good-bye till Saturday,’’ said Alan when 
he had received the latter, and nodding to them 
both, he turned and left the room. 

The passage ran past the little room in which Mr. 
Jeffreys, the head clerk, sat alone. Catching sight 
of him through the open door, Alan entered, shut- 
ting it behind him. Finding his key ring he re- 
moved from it the keys of his desk and of the 
office strongroom, and handed them to the clerk 
who, methodical in everything, proceeded to Avrite 
a formal receipt. 

You are leaving us. Major Vernon? ” he said 
interrogatively as he signed the paper. 

Yes, Jeffreys,” answered Alan, then prompted 
by some impulse, added, Are you sorry?” 

Mr. Jeffreys looked up and there were traces of 
unwonted emotion upon his hard, regulated face. 

For myself, yes. Major — for you, on the 
whole, no.” • , . 

What do you mean, Jeffreys? I do not quite 
understand.” 

I mean. Major, that I am sorry because you 
have never tried to shuffle off any shady business 
on to my back and leave me to bear the brunt of 
it; also because you haA^e always treated me as a 
gentleman should, not as a machine to be used until 
a better can be found, and kicked aside when it 
gets out of order.” 

It is very kind of you to say so, Jeffreys, but 
I can’t remember having done anything particular.” 

No, Major, you can’t remember what comes 
natural to you. But I and the others remember, 
and that’s why I am sorry. But for yourself I am 
glad, since although Aylward and Haswell have 


34 


THE YELLOW GOD 


put a big thing through and are going to make a 
pot of money, this is no place for the likes of you, 
and now that you are going I will make bold to 
tell you that I always wondered what you were 
doing here. By and by. Major, the row will come, 
as it has come more than once in the past, before 
your time.’^ 

And then?’’ said Alan, for he was anxious to 
get to the bottom of this man’s mind, which hitherto 
he had always found so secret. 

And then. Major, it won’t matter much to 
Messrs. A 3 dward and Champers-Haswell, who are 
used to that kind of thing and will probably dis- 
solve partnership and lie quiet for a bit, and still 
less to folk like myself, who are only servants. 
But if you were still here it would have mattered 
a great deal to you, for it would blacken your 
name and break your heart, and then what’s the 
good of the money? I tell you. Major,” the clerk 
went on with quiet intensity, though I am no- 
body and nothing, if I could afford it I would fol- ‘ 
low your example. But I can’t, for I have a sick 
wife and a family of delicate children who have 
to live half the year on the south coast, to say 
nothing of my old mother, and — I was fool enough 
to be taken in and back Sir Kobert’s last little 
venture, which cost me all I had saved. So you 
see I must make a bit before the machine is 
scrapped. Major. But I tell you this, that if I can 
get £5000 together, as I hope to do out of Saharas 
before I am a month older, for they had to give me 
a look-in, as I knew too much, I am off to the 
country, where I was born, to take a farm there. 
No more of Messrs. Ay 1 ward & Haswell for Thomas 
Jeffreys. That’s my bell. Good-bye, Major, I’ll 
take the liberty to write you a line sometime, for 


THE YELLOW GOD 35 

I know you won’t give me away. Good-bye and 
God bless you, as I am sure He will in the long 
run,” and stretching out his hand, he took that of 
the astonished Alan and wrung it warmly. 

When he was gone Alan went also, noticing that 
the clerks, whom some rumour of these events 
seemed to have reached, eyed him curiously through 
the glass screens behind which they sat at their 
desks, as he thought not without regret and a 
kind of admiration. Even the magnificent be-med- 
alled porter at the door emerged from the carved 
teak box where he dwelt and touching his cap asked 
if he should call a cab. 

No, thank you. Sergeant,” answered Alan, I 
will take a bus, and, Sergeant, I think I forgot to 
give you a present last Xmas. Will you accept 
this? — I wish I could make it more,” and he pre- 
sented him with ten shillings. 

The Sergeant drew himself up and saluted. 

Thank you kindly, Major,” he said. I’d rather 
take that from you than £10 from the other gentle- 
men. But, Major, I wish we were out on the West 
Coast again together. It’s a stinking, barbarous 
hole, but not so bad as this ’ere city.” 

For once these two had served as comrades, and 
it was through Alan that the sergeant obtained his 
present lucrative but somewhat uncongenial post. 

He was outside at last. The massive granite por- 
tal vanished behind him in the evening mists, much 
as a nightmare vanishes. He, Alan Vernon, who 
for a year or more had been in bondage, was a free 
man again. All his dreams of wealth had departed ; 
indeed if anything, save in experience, he was poorer 
than when first the shadow of yonder doorway fell 
upon him. But at least he was safe, safe. That 
deed of partnership which had been as a chain 


36 


THE YELLOW GOD 


about his neck, Avas noAv white ashes ; his name was 
erased from that fearful prospectus of Sahara 
Limited, wherein millions which someone would 
provide were spoken of like silver in the days of 
Solomon, as things of no account. The bitterest 
critic could not say that he had made a halfpenny 
out of the venture, in fact, if trouble came, his 
voluntary abandonment of the profits due to him 
must go to his credit. He had plunged into the icy 
waters of renunciation and come up clean if naked. 
Never since he was a boy could Alan remember feel- 
ing so utterly light-hearted and free from anxiety. 
Not for a million pounds would he have returned 
to gather gold in that mausoleum of reputations. 
As for the future, he did not in the least care what 
happened. There was no one dependent on him, 
and in this way or in that he could always earn a 
crust, a nice, honest crust. 

He ran down the street and danced for joy like 
a child, yes, and presented a crossing-sweeper 
against whom he butted with a whole sixpence in 
compensation. Thus he reached the Mansion 
House, not unsuspected of inebriety by the police, 
and clambered to the top of a bus crowded with 
weary and anxious-looking City clerks returning 
home after a long day’s labour at starvation wage. 
In that cold company and a chilling atmosphere 
some of his enthusiasm evaporated. He remembered 
that this step of his meant that sooner or later, 
within a year or two at most, Yarleys, where his 
family had dAA^elt for centuries, must go to the ham- 
mer. Why had he not accepted Ayhvard’s offer and 
sold that old fetish to him for £17,000? There was 
no question of share-dealing there, and if a very 
wealthy man chose to give a fancy price for a curi- 
osity, he could take it Avithout doubt or shame. At 


THE YELLOW GOD 37 

least it would have sufficed to save Yarleys, which 
after all was only mortgaged for £20,000. For the 
life of him he could not tell. He had acted on 
impulse, a very curious impulse, and there was an 
end of it, perhaps because his uncle had told him as 
a boy that the thing was unique, or perhaps be- 
cause old Jeeki, his negro servant, venerated it so 
much and swore that it was lucky.’’ At any rate 
he had declined and there was an end. But another 
and a graver matter remained. He had desired 
wealth to save Yarleys, but he desired it still more 
for a different purpose. Above everything on 
earth he loved Barbara, his distant cousin and the 
niece of Mr. Champers-Haswell, who until an hour 
ago had been his partner. Now she was a great 
heiress and without fortune he could not marry her, 
even if she would marry him, which remained in 
doubt. For one thing her uncle and guardian Has- 
well, under her father’s will, had absolute discretion 
in this matter until she reached the age of twenty- 
five, and for another he was too proud. Therefore 
it would seem that in abandoning his business, he 
had abandoned his chance of Barbara also, which 
was a truly dreadful thought. Well, it was in order 
that he might see her, that he had agreed to visit 
the Court on the morrow, even though it meant a 
meeting with his late partners, who were the last 
people with whom he desired to foregather again 
so soon. Then and there he made up his mind that 
before he bade Barbara farewell, he would tell 
her the wffiole story, so that she might not misjudge 
him.t After that he would go off somewhere — to 
Africa perhaps. Meanwhile he was quite tired out, 
as tired as though he had lain a week in the grip of 
fever. He must eat some food and get to bed. Suf- 
ficient unto the day was the evil thereof, yet on the 


38 


THE YELLOW GOD 


whole he blessed the name of Jackson, editor of 
The Judge, and his father’s old friend. 

When Alan had left the office Sir Kobert turned 
to Mr. Champers-Haswell and asked him abruptly, 
What the devil does this mean? ” 

Mr. Haswell looked up at the ceiling and 
whistled in his own peculiar fashion, then an- 
swered : 

I cannot say for certain, but our young friend’s 
strange conduct seems to suggest that he has smelt 
a rat, possibly even that Jackson, the old beast, has 
shown him a rat — of a large Turkish breed.” 

Sir Kobert nodded. 

Vernon is a fellow who doesn’t like rats; they 
seem to haunt his sleep,” he said ; but do you think 
that having seen it, he will keep it in the bag? ” 

Oh ! certainly, certainly,” answered Mr. Has- 
well with cheerfulness ; the man is the soul of 
honour; he will never give us away. Look how he 
behaved about those shares. Still, I think that 
perhaps we are well rid of him. Too much honour, 
like too much zeal, is a very dangerous quality in 
any business.” 

I don’t know that I agree with you,” answered 
Sir Kobert. I am not sure that in the long run 
we should not do better for a little more of the 
article. For my part, although it will not hurt us 
publicly, for the thing will never be noticed, I am 
sorry that we have lost Vernon, very sorry indeed. 
I don’t think him a fool, and awkward as they may 
be, I respect his qualities.” 

So do I, so do I,” ansAvered Mr. Haswell, and 
of course we have acted against his advice through- 
out, which must have been annoying to him. The 
scheme as he suggested it was a fair business 


39 


THE YELLOW GOD 

proposition that might have paid ten per cent, on 
a small capital, but what is the good of ten per 
cent, to you and me? We want millions and we are 
going to get them. Well, he is coming to the Court 
to-morrow, and perhaps after all we shall be able 
to arrange matters. Vll give Barbara a hint; she 
has great influence with him, and you might do the 
same, Aylward.’^ 

Miss Champers has great influence with every- 
one who is fortunate enough to know her,’^ answered 
Sir Robert courteously. But even if she chooses 
to use it, I doubt if it will avail in this case. Ver- 
non has been making up his mind for a long while. 
I have watched him and am sure of that. To-night 
be determined to take the plunge and I do not think 
that Ave shall see any more of him in this office. 
Haswell,’^ he added with sudden energy, I tell 
you that of late our luck has been too good to last. 
The boom, the real boom, came in with Vernon, and 
with Vernon I think that it will go.’’ 

At any rate it must leave something pretty 
substantial behind it this time, Aylward, my 
friend. Whatever happens, Avithin a AA^eek we shall 
be rich, really rich for life.” 

For life, Haswell, yes, for life. But what is 
life? A bubble that any pin may prick. Oh! I 
knoAv that you do not like the subject, but it is as 
well to look it in the face sometimes. I’m no 
church-goer, but if I remember right we were taught 
to pray the Good Lord to deliver us especially ^ in 
all times of our Avealth,’ which is followed by some- 
thing about tribulation and sudden death, for 
when they wrote that prayer the wheel of human 
fortune went round just as it does to-day. There, 
let’s get out of this before I grow superstitious, as 
men who believe in nothing sometimes do, because 


40 


THE YELLOW GOD 


they must believe in something, I suppose. Got 
your hat and coat? So have I, come on,” and he 
switched off the light, so that the room was left 
in darkness except for the faint glimmering of the 
fire. 

His partner grumbled audibly, for in turning he 
had knocked his hand against the desk. 

Leave me my only economy, Haswell,” he an- 
swered witli a hard little laugh. “ Electricity is 
strength and I hate to see strength burning to waste. 
Why do you mind? ” he went on as he stepped to- 
wards the door. Is it the contrast? In all times 
of our wealth, in all times of our tribulation, from 
sickness and from sudden death ” 

Good Lord deliver us,” chimed in Mr. Haswell 
in a shaking voice behind him. What the deviPs 
that? ” 

Sir Robert looked round and saw, or thought that 
he saw, something very strange. From the pillar 
on which it stood the golden fetish with a woman’s 
face, appeared to have fioated. The firelight showed 
it gliding towards them across but a few inches 
above the floor of the great room. It came very 
slowly, but it came. Now it reached them and 
paused, and now it rose into the air until it at- 
tained the height of Mr. Champers-Haswell and 
stayed there, staring into his face and not a hand’s 
breadth away, just as though it were a real woman 
glaring at him. 

He uttered a sound, half whistle and half groan, 
and fell back, as it chanced on to a morocco-covered 
seat behind him. For a moment or two the gleam- 
ing, golden mask floated in the air. Then it turned 
very deliberately, rose a little way, and moving 
sidelong to where Sir Robert stood, hung in front 
of his face. 


THE YELLOW GOD 


41 


Presently Ay 1 ward sta$:g:ered to the mantelpiece 
and began to fumble for the switch, in the silence 
his nails scratching at the panelling made a sound 
like to that of a gnawing mouse. He found it at 
last, and next instant the office broke into a blaze 
of light, showing Mr. Haswell, his rubicund face 
quite pale, his hat and umbrella on the floor, gasp- 
ing like a dying man upon the couch, and Sir Robert 
himself clinging to the mantel-shelf as a person 
might do who had received a mortal wound, while 
the golden fetish reposed calmly on its pillar, to 
all appearance as immovable and undisturbed as the 
antique Venus wffiich matched it at the other end of 
the room. For a while there was silence. Then Sir 
Robert, recovering himself, asked : 

Did you notice anything unusual just now, 
Haswell? ’’ 

Yes, ^’ whispered his partner. thought that 
hideous African thing which Vernon brought here, 
came sliding across the floor and stared into my 
face with its glittering eyes, and in the eyes 

Well, what was in the eyes? ’’ 

I canT remember. It was a kind of a picture 
and the meaning of it was Sudden Death — oh 
Lord ! Sudden Death. Tell me it was a fancy bred 
of that ill-omened talk of yours? ’ 

I can’t tell you anything of the sort,” answered 
Aylward in a hollow voice, for I saw something 
also.” 

What? ” asked his partner. 

Death that wasn’t sudden, and other things.” 

Again the silence fell till it was broken by Ayl- 
ward. 

Come,” he said, we have been over-working — 
too much strain, and now the reaction. Keep this 


42 THE YELLOW GOD 

rubbish to yourself, or they will lock you up in an 
asylum/’ 

Certainly, Aylward, certainly. But can’t you 
get rid of that beastly image? ” 

Not on any account. Has well, even if it haunts 
us all day. Here it shall stop until Saharas are 
floated on Monday, if I have to lock it in the strong- 
room and throw the keys into the Thames. After- 
wards Vernon can take it, as he has a right to do, 
and I am sure that with it will go our luck.” 

Then the sooner our luck goes, the better,” re- 
plied Haswell, with a mere ghost of his familiar 
whistle. “ Life is better than luck, and — Aylw^ard, 
that Yellow God you are so fond of means to mur- 
der us. We are being fatted for the sacriflce, that is 
all. I remember now, that was one of the things I 
saw written in its eyes.” 


CHAPTER III 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 

The Court, Mr. Champers-HaswelFs place, was a 
yery fine house indeed, of a sort. That is, it con- 
tained twenty-nine bedrooms, each of them with a 
bathroom attached, a large number of sitting- 
rooms, ample garages, stables and offices, the whole 
surrounded by several acres of newly-planted gar- 
dens. Incidentally it may be mentioned that it was 
built in the most atrocious taste and looked like a 
surburban villa seen through a magnifying glass. 

It was in this matter of taste that it differed from 
Sir Robert Aylward’s home. Old Hall, a few miles 
away. Not that this was old either, for the original 
house had fallen down or been burnt a hundred 
years before. But Sir Robert, being gifted with 
artistic perception, had reared up in place of it a 
smaller but really beautiful dwelling of soft grey 
stone, long and low, and built in the Tudor style 
with many gables. 

This house, charming as it was, could not of course 
compare with Yarleys, the ancient seat of the Ver- 
nons in the same neighbourhood. Yarleys was pure 
Elizabethan, although it contained an oak-roofed 
hall which was said to date back to the time of King 
John, a remnant of a former house. There was no 
electric light or other modern convenience at Yar- 
leys, yet it was a place that everyone went to see 
because of its exceeding beauty and its historical 
associations. The moat by which it was surrounded, 
the grass court within, for it was built on three 
43 


44 


THE YELLOW GOD 


sides of a square, the mullioned windows, the tow- 
ered gateway of red brick, the low-panelled rooms 
hung with the portraits of departed Vernons, the 
sloping park and the splendid oaks that stood 
about, singly or in groups, were all of them perfect 
in their way. It was one of the most lovely of Eng- 
lish homes, and oddly enough its neglected gardens 
and the air of decay that pervaded it, added to 
rather than decreased its charm. 

But it is with the Court that we have to do at 
present, not with Yarleys. Mr. Champers-Haswell 
had a week-end party. There were ten guests, all 
men, and with the exception of Alan, who it will be 
remembered was one of them, all rich and in busi- 
ness. They included two French bankers and three 
Jews, everyone a prop of the original Sahara Syndi- 
cate and deeply interested in the forthcoming flota- 
tion. To describe them is unnecessary, for they 
have no part in our story, being only financiers of 
a certain class, remarkable for the riches they had 
acquired by means that for the most part would not 
bear examination. The riches were evident enough. 
Ever since the morning they had arrived by ones or 
twos with their costly motor-cars, attended by smart 
chaff eurs and valets. Their fur coats, their jewelled 
studs and rings, something in their very faces all 
suggested money, which indeed was the bond that 
brought and held them together. 

Alan did not come until it was time to dress for 
dinner, for he knew that Barbara would not appear 
before that meal, and it was her society he sought, 
not that of his host or fellow guests. Accompanied 
by his negro servant, Jeeki, for in a house like this 
it was necessary to have someone to wait upon him, 
he drove over from Yarleys, a distance of ten miles, 
arriving about eight o^clock. 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 45 

Mr. Haswell has gone up to dress, Major, and 
so have the other gentlemen,” said the head butler, 
Mr. Smith, “ but Miss Champers told me to give you 
this note and to say that dinner is at half-past 
eight.” 

Alan took the note and asked to be shown to his 
room. Once there, although he had only five and 
twenty minutes, he opened it eagerly, while Jeeki 
unpacked his bag. 

Dear Alan,” it ran : Don’t be late for dinner, 
or I may not be able to keep a place next to me. 
Of course Sir Robert takes me in. They are a worse 
lot than usual this time, odious — odious! — and I 
can’t stand one on the left hand as well as on the 
right. Yours, B. 

P. S. What have you been doing? Our dis- 
tinguished guests, to say nothing of my uncle, seem 
to be in a great fuss about you. I overheard them 
talking when I was pretending to arrange some 
fiowers. One of them called you a sanctimonious 
prig and obstinate donkey, and another answered — 
I think it was Sir Robert — ^ No doubt, but obstinate 
donkeys can kick and have been known to upset 
other people’s applecarts ere now.’ Is the Sahara 
Syndicate the applecart? If so. I’ll forgive you. 

P. P. S. Remember that we will walk to church 
together to-morrow, but come down to breakfast in 
knickerbockers or something to put them off, and 
I’ll do the same — I mean I’ll dress as if I were going 
to golf. We can turn into Christians later. If we 
don’t — dress like that, I mean — they’ll guess and 
all want to come to church, except the Jews, which 
would bring the judgment of Heaven on us. 

P. P. P. S. Don’t be careless and leave this note 
lying about, for the under-footman who waits upon 


46 


THE YELLOW GOD 


you reads all the letters. He steams them over a 
kettle. Smith the butler is the only respectable 
man in this house.’’ 

Alan laughed outright as he finished this peculiar 
and outspoken epistle, which somehow revived his 
spirits, that since the previous day had been low 
enough. It refreshed him. It was like a breath of 
frosty air from an open window blowing clean and 
cold into a scented, overheated room. He would 
have liked to keep it, but remembering Barbara’s 
injunctions and the under-footman, threw it on to 
the fire and watched it burn. Jeeki coughed to inti- 
mate that it was time for his master to dress, and 
Alan turned and looked at him in an absent-minded 
fashion. 

He was worth looking at, was Jeeki. Let the 
reader imagine a very tall and powerfully-built 
negro with a skin as black as a well-polished boot, 
woolly hair as white as snow, a little tufted beard 
also white, a hand like a leg of mutton, but with 
long delicate fingers and pink, filbert-shaped nails, 
an immovable countenance, but set in it beneath a 
massive brow, two extraordinarly humorous and 
eloquent black eyes which expressed every emotion 
passing through the brain behind them, that is when 
their owner chose to allow them to do so. Such was 
Jeeki. 

Shall I unlace your boots. Major? ” he said in 
his full, melodious voice and speaking the most per- 
fect English. I expect that the gong will sound 
in nine and a half minutes.” 

Then let it sound and be hanged to it,” answered 
Alan ; no, I forgo t^ — I must hurry. Jeeki, put that 
fire out and open all the windows as soon as I go 
down. This room is like a hot-house.” 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 47 

Yes, Major, the fire shall be extinguished and 
the sleeping-chamber ventilated. The other boot, if 
you please. Major.’’ 

“Jeeki,” said Alan, who is stopping in this 
place? Have you heard? ” 

I collected some names on my way upstairs. 
Major. Three of the gentlemen you have never met 
before, but,” he added suddenly breaking away from 
his high-flown book-learned English, as was his cus- 
tom when in earnest, Jeeki think they just black 
niggers like the rest, thief people. There ain’t a 
white man in this house, except you and Miss Bar- 
bara, Major. Jeeki learnt all that in servants’ hall 
palaver. No, not now, other time. Everyone tell 
everything to Jeeki, poor old nigger fool, and he 
look up an answer, ^ O law! you don’t say so? ’ but 
keep his eyes and ears open all the same.” 

I’ll be bound you do, Jeeki,” replied Alan, 
laughing again. Well, go on keeping them open, 
and give me those trousers.” 

Yes, Major,” answered Jeeki, reassuming his 
grand manner, I shall continue to collect informa- 
tion Avhich may prove to your advantage, but per- 
sonally I wish that you were clear of the whole 
caboodle, except Miss Barbara.” 

Hear, hear,” ejaculated Alan, there goes the 
gong. Mind you come in and help to wait,” and 
hurrying into his coat he departed downstairs. 

The guests were gathered in the hall drinking 
sherry and bitters, a proceeding that to Alan’s mind 
set a stamp upon the house. His host, Mr. 
Champers-Ha swell, came forward and greeted him 
with much affectionate enthusiasm, and Alan 
noticed that he looked very pale, also that his 
thoughts seemed to be wandering, for he introduced 


48 


THE YELLOW GOD 


a French banker to him as a noted Jew, and the 
noted Jew as the French banker, although the dis- 
tinction between them was obvious and the gentle- 
men concerned evidently resented the mistake. Sir 
Robert Aylward, catching sight of him, came across 
the hall in his usual, direct fashion, and shook him 
by the hand. 

^‘Glad to see you, Vernon,” he said, fixing his 
piercing eyes upon Alan as though he were trying 
to read his thoughts. Pleasant change this from 
the City and all that eternal business, isnT it? Ah ! 
you are thinking that one is not quite clear of busi- 
ness after all,” and he glanced round at the com- 
pany. ThaPs one of your cousin HaswelFs faults ; 
he can never shake himself free of the thing, never 
get any real recreation. I’d bet you a sovereign 
that he has a stenographer waiting by a telephone 
in the next room, just in case any opportunity 
should arise in the course of conversation. That is 
magnificent, but it is not wise. His heart can’t 
stand it; it will wear him out before his time. 
Listen, they are all talking about the Sahara. I 
wish I were there; it must be quiet at any rate. 
The sands beneath, the eternal stars above. Yes, I 
wish I were there,” he repeated with a sigh, and 
Alan noted that although his face could not be more 
pallid than its natural colour, it looked quite worn 
and old. 

So do I,” he answered with enthusiasm. 

Then a French gentleman on his left, having dis- 
covered that he was the engineer who had formu- 
lated the great flooding scheme, began to address 
him as Cher maitre,” speaking so rapidly in his 
own language that Alan, whose French was none 
of the best, struggled after him in vain. Whilst he 
was trying to answer a question which he did not 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 49 

understand, the door at the end of the hall opened, 
and through it appeared Barbara Champers. 

It was a large hall and she was a long way off, 
which caused her to look small, who indeed was 
only of middle height. Yet even at that distance it 
was impossible to mistake the dignity of her ap- 
pearance. A slim woman with brown hair, cheerful 
brown eyes, a well-modelled face, a rounded figure 
and an excellent complexion, such was Barbara. 
Ten thousand young ladies could be found as good, 
or even better looking, yet something about her dif- 
ferentiated her from the majority of her sex. There 
was determination in her step, and overflowing 
health and vigour in her every movement. Her eyes 
had a trick of looking straight into any other eyes 
they met, not boldly, but Avith a kind of virginal 
fearlessness and enterprise that people often found 
embarrassing. Indeed she was extremely virginal 
and devoid of the usual fringe of feminine airs and 
graces, a nymph of the Avoods and waters, who 
although she was three and twenty, as yet recked 
little of men save as companions whom she liked or 
disliked according to her instincts. For the rest 
she was sweetly dressed in a Avhite robe with silver 
on it, and wore no ornaments save a row of small 
pearls about her throat and some lilies of the valley 
at her breast. 

Barbara came straight oiiAvards, looking neither 
to the right nor to the left, till she reached her 
uncle, to whom she nodded. Then she walked to 
Alan and, offering him her hand, said : 

How do you do ! Why did you not come over 
at lunch time? I wanted to play a round of golf 
with you this afternoon.’’ 

Alan ansAvered something about being busy at 
Yarleys. 


50 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Yarleys I she replied. I thought that you 
lived in the City now, making money out of specula- 
tions, like everyone else that I know.” 

Why, Miss Champers,” broke in Sir Kobert re- 
proachfully, I asked you to play a round of golf 
before tea and you would not.” 

No,” she answered, because I was waiting for 
my cousin. We are better matched. Sir Robert.” 

There was something in her voice, usually so soft 
and pleasant, as she spoke these words, something 
of steeliness and defiance that caused Alan to feel 
at once happy and uncomfortable. Apparently also 
it caused Aylward to feel angry, for he flashed a 
glance at Alan over her head of which the purport 
could not be mistaken, though his pale face re- 
mained as immovable as ever. “ We are enemies. 
I hate you,” said that glance. Probably Barbara 
saw . it ; at any rate before either of them could 
speak again, she said : 

Thank goodness, there is dinner at last. Sir 
Robert, will you take me in, and, Alan, will you sit 
on the other side of me? My uncle will show the 
rest their places.” 

The meal was long and magnificent ; the price of 
each dish of it would have kept a poor family for 
a month, and on the cost of the exquisite wines they 
might have lived for a year or two. Also the last 
were well patronized by ever3'One except Barbara, 
who drank water, and Alan, who since his severe 
fever took nothing but weak whiskey and soda and 
a little claret. Even Aylward, a temperate person, 
absorbed a good deal of champagne. -As a conse- 
quence the conversation grew animated, and under 
cover of it, while Sir Robert was arguing with his 
neighbour on the left, Barbara asked in a low voice : 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 51 

“ What is the row, Alan? Tell me, I can’t wait 
any longer.” 

I have quarrelled with them,” he answered, 
staring at his mutton as though he were criticizing 
it. I mean, I have left the firm and have nothing 
more to do with the business.” 

Barbara’s eyes lit up as she whispered back : 

Glad of it. Best news I have heard for many a 
day. But then, may I ask why you are here? ” 

I came to see you,” he replied humbly — 
thought perhaps jmu wouldn’t mind,” and in his 
confusion he let his knife fall into the mutton, 
whence it rebounded, staining his shirt front. 

Barbara laughed, that happy, delightful little 
laugh of hers, presumably at the accident with the 
knife. Whether or no she minded ” did not ap- 
pear, only she handed her handkerchief, a costly, 
lace-fringed trifie, to Alan to wipe the gravy off his 
shirt, which he took thinking it was a napkin, and 
as she did so, touched his hand with a little caress- 
ing movement of her fingers. Whether this was 
done by chance or on purpose did not appear either. 
At least it made Alan feel extremely happy. Also 
when he discovered what it was, he kept that gravy- 
stained handkerchief, nor did she ever ask for it 
back again. Only once in after days when she hap- 
pened to come across it stuffed away in the corner 
of a despatch-box, she blushed all over, and said 
that she had no idea that any man could be so 
foolish out of a book. 

Now that you are really clear of it, I am going 
for them,” she said presently when the wiping 
process was finished. I have only restrained my- 
self for your sake,” and leaning back in her chair 
she stared at the ceiling, lost in meditation. 

Presently there came one of those silences which 


52 


THE YELLOW GOD 


will fall upon dinner-parties at times, however ex- 
cellent and plentiful the champagne. 

Sir Robert Aylward^’’ said Barbara in that 
clear, carrying voice of hers, will you, as an 
expert, instruct a very ignorant person? I want a 
little information.’’ 

Miss Champers,” he answered, am I not al- 
ways at your service? ” and all listened to hear 
upon what point their hostess desired to be enlight- 
ened. 

Sir Robert,” she went on calmly, “ everyone 
here is, I believe, what is called a financier, that is 
except myself and Major Vernon, who only tries to 
be and will, I am sure, fail, since Nature made him 
something else, a soldier and — what else did Nature 
make you, Alan? ” 

As he vouchsafed no answer to this question, al- 
though Sir Robert muttered an uncomplimentary 
one between his lips which Barbara heard, or read, 
she continued : 

And you are all very rich and successful, are 
you not, and going to be much richer and much 
more successful — next week. Now what I want to 
ask you is — how is it done? ” 

Accepting the premises for the sake of argu- 
ment, Miss Champers,” replied Sir Robert, who felt 
that he could not refuse the challenge, the answer 
is that it is done by finance.” 

I am still in the dark,” she said. Finance, as 
I have heard of it, means fioating companies, and 
companies are fioated to earn money for those who 
invest in them. Now this afternoon as I was dull, 
I got hold of a book called the Directory of Direct- 
ors, and looked up all your names in it, except those 
of the gentlemen from Paris, and the companies 
that you direct — I found about those in another 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 53 

book. Well, I could not make out that any of these 
companies have ever earned any money, a dividend, 
donT you call it? Therefore how do you all grow 
so rich, and w^hy do people invest in them? 

Now Sir Robert frowned, Alan coloured, two or 
three of the company laughed outright, and one of 
the French gentlemen who understood English and 
had already drunk as much as was good for him, 
remarked loudly to his neighbour, Ah ! she is 
charming. She do touch the spot, like that oint- 
ment you give me to-day. How do we grow rich and 
why do the people invest? Mon Dieu! why do they 
invest? That is the great mystery. I say that cette 
belle demoiselle, votre niece, est ravissante, Elle a 
d’ esprit, mon ami Hasioell/’ 

Apparently her uncle did not share these senti- 
ments, for he turned red as any turkey-cock, and 
said across the great round table: 

My dear Barbara, I wish that you would leave 
matters which you do not understand alone. We 
are here to dine, not to talk about finance.” 

Certainly, Uncle,” she answered sweetly. “ I 
stand, or rather sit, reproved. I suppose that I have 
put my foot into it as usual, and the worst of it 
is,” she added, turning to Sir Robert, “ that I am 
just as ignorant as I was before.” 

If you want to master these matters. Miss 
Champers,” said Ay 1 ward with a rather forced 
laugh, you must go into training and worship at 
the shrine of ” — he meant to say Mammon, then 
thinking that the word sounded unpleasant, substi- 
tuted — the Yellow God as we do.” 

At these words Alan, who had been studying his 
plate, looked up quickly, and her uncle^s face turned 
from red to white. But the irrepressible Barbara 
seized upon them. 


54 


THE YELLOW GOD 


The Yellow God,’’ she repeated. Do you mean 
money or that fetish thing of Major Vernon’s with 
the terrible woman’s face that I saw at the office 
in the City. Well, to change the subject, tell us, 
Alan, what is that yellow god of yours and where 
did it come from? ” 

My uncle Austin, who was my mother’s brother 
and a missionary, brought it from West Africa a 
great many years ago. He was the first to visit the 
tribe who worship it; in fact I do not think that 
anyone has ever visited them since. But really I 
do not know all the story. Jeeki,can tell you about 
it if you want to know, for he is one of that people 
and escaped with my uncle.” 

Now Jeeki having left the room, some of the 
guests wished to send for him, but Mr. Champers- 
Haswell objected. The end of it was that a com- 
promise was effected, Alan undertaking to produce 
his retainer afterwards when they went to play 
billiards or cards. 

Dinner was over at length and the diners, who 
had dined well, were gathered in the billiard room 
to smoke and amuse themselves as they wished. It 
was a very large room, sixty feet long indeed, with 
a wide space in the centre between the two tables, 
which was furnished as a lounge. When the gentle- 
men entered it they found Barbara standing by the 
great fireplace in this central space, a little shape 
of white and silver in its emptiness. 

Forgive me for intruding on you,” she said, 
and please do not stop smoking, for I like the 
smell. I have sat up expressly to hear Jeeki’s story 
of the Yellow God. Alan, produce Jeeki, or I shall 
go to bed at once.” 

Her uncle made a movement as though to inter- 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 55 

fere, but Sir Robert said something to him which 
appeared to cause him to change his mind, while 
the rest in one way or another signified an enthu- 
siasti(‘ assent. All of them were anxious to see this 
Jeeki and hear his tale, if he had one to tell. So 
Jeeki \^as sent for and presently arrived clad in the 
dress clothes which are common to all classes in 
England. There he stood before them white-headed, 
ebony-faced, gigantic, imperturbable. There is no 
doubt that his appearance produced an effect, for 
it was unusual and indeed striking. 

You sent for me. Major? ’’ he said, addressing 
his master, to whom he gave a military salute, for 
he had been Alan’s servant when he was in the 
Army. 

Yes, Jeeki. Miss Barbara here and these gentle- 
men, wish you to tell them all that you know about 
the Yellow God.” 

The negro started and rolled his round eyes up- 
wards till the whites of them showed, then began in 
his school-book English : 

‘^That is private subject. Major, upon which I 
should prefer not to discourse before this very 
public company.” 

A chorus of remonstrance arose and one of the 
Jew gentlemen approaching Jeeki, slipped a couple 
of sovereigns into his great hand, which he promptly 
transferred to his pocket without seeming to notice 
them. 

Jeeki,” said Barbara, don’t disappoint us.” 

Very well, miss, I fall in with your wishes. The 
Yellow God that all these gentlemen worship, quite 
another god to that of which you desire that I 
should tell you. You know all about him. My god 
is of female sex.” 

At this statement his audience burst into laugh- 


56 


THE YELLOW GOD 


ter while Jeeki rolled his eyes and waited till they 
had finished. My god,” he went on presently, I 
mean, gentlemen, the god I used to pray to, for I 
am good Christian now, has so much gold that she 
does not care for any more,” and he paused. 

Then what does she care for? ” asked shmeone. 

Blood,” answered Jeeki. She is god of Death. 
Her name is Little Bonsa or Small Swimming 
Head ; she is wife of Big Bonsa or Great Swimming 
Head.” 

Again there was laughter, though less general — 
for instance, neither Sir Kobert nor Mr. Champers- 
Haswell laughed. This merriment seemed to excite 
Jeeki. At any rate it caused him to cease his stilted 
talk and relapse into the strange vernacular that 
is common to all negroes, tinctured with a racy 
slang that was all his own. 

You want to hear Yellow God palaver? ” he said 
rapidly. Very well, I tell you, you cocksure white 
men who think you know everything, but know 
nothing at all. My people, people of the Asiki, that 
mean people of Spirits, what you call ghosts and 
say you no believe in, but always look for behind 
door, they worship Yellow God, Bonsa Big and 
Bonsa Little, worship both and call them one ; only 
Little Bonsa on trip to this country just now and 
sit and think in City office. Yellow God live long 
way up a great river, then turn to the left and walk 
six days through big forest where dwarf people 
shoot you with poisoned arrow. Then turn to the 
right, walk up stream where many wild beasts. 
Then turn to the left again and go in canoe through 
swamp where you die of fever, and across lake. 
Then walk over grassland and mountains. Then in 
kloof of the mountains where big black trees make a 
roof and river fall like thunder, find Asiki and gold 


57 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 

house of the Yellow God. All that mountain gold, 
full of gold and beneath gold house Yellow God 
afloat in water. She what you call Queen, priestess, 
live there also, always, there, very beautiful woman 
with face like Yellow God, cruel, cruel. She take 
a husband every year, and every year he die because 
she always hunt for right man but never And him. 
Oh I no, she no kill him, he kill himself at end of 
year, glad to get away from Asiki and go to spirits. 
While he live he have very good time, plenty to eat, 
plenty wives, flne house, much gold as he like, only 
nothing to spend it on, pretty necklace, nice paint 
for face. But Asiki, little bit by little bit she eat up 
his spirit. He see too many ghosts. The house where 
he sleep with dead men who once have his billet, 
full of ghosts and every night there come more and 
sit with him, sit all round him, look at him with 
great eyes, just like you look at me, till at last when 
Asiki finish eating up his spirit, he go crazy, he 
howl like man in hell, he throw away all the gold 
they give him, and then, sometimes after one week, 
sometimes after one month, sometimes after one 
year if he be strong but never more, he run out at 
night and jump into canal where Yellow God float 
and god get him, while Asiki sit on the bank and 
laugh, ’cause she hungry for new man to eat up his 
spirit too.” 

Jeeki’s big voice died away to a whisper and 
ceased. There was a silence in the room, for even 
in the shine of the electric light and through the 
fumes of champagne, in more than one imagination 
there rose a vision of that haunted water in which 
floated the great Yellow God, and of some mad 
being casting himself to his death beneath the moon, 
while his beautiful witch wife who was hungry 
for more spirits ” sat upon its edge and laughed. 


58 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Although his language was now commonplace 
enough, even ludicrous at times, the negro had un- 
doubtedly the art of narration. His auditors felt 
that he spoke of what he knew, or had seen, that 
the very recollection of it frightened him, therefore 
he frightened them. 

Barbara broke the silence which she felt to be 
awkward. 

Why do more ghosts come every night to sit 
with the queen’s husband, Jeeki? ” she asked. 
“ Where do they come from? ” 

“ Out of the dead, miss, dead husbands of Asiki 
from beginning of the world; what they call Mun- 
ganas. Also always they make sacrifice to Yellow 
God. From far, far away them poor niggers send 
people to be sacrifice that their house or tribe get 
luck. Sometimes they send kings, sometimes great 
men, sometimes doctors, sometimes women what 
have twin babies. Also the Asiki bring people what 
is witches, or have drunk poison stuff which blacks 
call muavi and not been sick, or perhaps son they 
love best to take curse off their roof. All these come 
to Yellow God. Then Asiki doctor, they have Death- 
palaver. On night of full moon they beat drum, 
and drum go Wow! Wow! Wow! and doctors pick 
out those to die that month. Once they pick out 
me, oh! good Lord, they pick out me/’ and as he 
said the words he gasped and with his great hand 
wiped off the sweat that started from his brow. 

But Yellow God no take me that time, no want 
me and I escape.” 

How? ” asked Sir Robert. 

With my master. Major’s uncle. Reverend 
Austin, he who come try to make Asiki Christian. 
He snap his fingers, put on small mask of Y^ellow 
God which he prig. Little Bonsa herself, that same 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 59 

face which sit in your office now,’’ and he pointed to 
Sir Eobert, like one toad upon a stone. Priests 
think that god make herself into man, want holiday, 
take me out into forest to kill me and eat my life. 
So they let us go by and we go just as though devil 
kick us — fast, fast, and never see the Asiki any 
more. But Little Bonsa I bring with me for luck, 
tell truth I no dare leave her behind, she not stand 
that; and now she sit in your office and think and 
think and make magic there. That why you grow 
rich, because she know you worship her.” 

“ That’s a nice way for a baptized Christian to 
talk,” broke in Barbara again, adding, “ But, Jeeki, 
what do you mean when you say that the god did not 
take you? ” 

I mean this, miss; when victim offered to Big 
Yellow Grod, priest-men bring him to edge of canal 
where the great god float. Then if Yellow God want 
him, it turn and swim across water.” 

Swim across water ! I thought you said it was 
only a mask of gold? ” 

I don’t know, miss, perhaps man inside the 
mask, perhaps spirit. I say it swim across water 
in the night, always in the night, and lift itself up 
and look in victim’s face. Then priest take him 
away and kill him, sometimes one way — sometimes 
another. Or if he escape and they not kill him, all 
same for that Johnnie, he die in about one year, 
always die, no one ever live long if Yellow God swim 
to him and rise up and smile in his face. No matter 
if it Big Bonsa or Little Bonsa, for they man and 
wife joined in holy matrimony and either do trick.” 

As these words left Jeeki’s lips Alan became 
aware of some unusual movement on his left and 
looking round, saw that Mr. Champers-Haswell, 
who stood by him, had dropped to the floor the 


60 


THE YELLOW GOD 


cigar which he held and, white as a sheet, was 
swaying to and fro. Indeed in another instant he 
would have fallen had not Alan caught him in his 
arms and supported him till others came to his 
assistance, when between them they carried him to 
a sofa. On their way they passed a table where 
spirits and soda water were set out, and to his 
astonishment Alan noticed that Sir Robert Ayl- 
ward, looking little if at all better than his partner, 
had helped himself to half a tumbler of cognac, 
which he was swallowing in great gulps. Then 
there w^as confusion and someone went to telephone 
for the doctor, while the deep voice of Jeeki was 
heard exclaiming : 

That Yellow God at work — oh yes. Little Bonsa 
on the job. la Christian man but no doubt she 
very powerful fetish and can do anything she like 
to them that worship her, and you see, she sit in 
the office of these gentlemen. ’Spect she make Rev- 
erend Austin and me bring her to England because 
she got eye on firm of Messrs. Aylward & Haswell, 
London, E. C. Oh, shouldnT wonder at all, for 
Bonsa know everything.’’ 

Oh, confound you and your fetish ! Be off, you 
old donkey,” almost shouted Alan. 

“ Major,” replied the offended Jeeki, assuming 
his grand manner and language, it was not I who 
wished to narrate this history of blood-stained 
superstitions of poor African. Mustn’t blame old 
Jeeki if they make Christian gents sick as Channel 
steamer.” 

Be off,” repeated Alan, stamping his foot. 

So Jeeki went, but outside the door, as it chanced, 
he encountered one of the Jew gentlemen who also 
appeared to be a little sick.” An idea striking 


JEEKI TELLS A TALE 61 

him, he tou'^hed his white hair with his finger and 
said: 

You like Jeeki^s pretty story, sir? Well, Jeeki 
think that if you make little present to him, like 
your brother in there, it please Yellow God very 
much, and bring you plenty luck.’’ 

Then acting upon some unaccustomed impulse, 
that J ew became exceeding generous. In his pocket 
was a handful of sovereigns Avhich he had been pre- 
pared to stake at bridge. He grasped them all and 
thrust them into Jeeki’s outstretched palm, where 
they seemed to melt. 

Thank you, sir,” said Jeeki. Now I sure you 
have plenty luck, just like your grandpa Jacob in 
Book when he do his brudder in eye.” 


CHAPTEK IV 


ALAN AND BARBARA 

There was no bridge or billiards at the Court 
that night, where ordinarily the play ran high 
enough. After Mr. Haswell had been carried to his 
room, some of the guests, among them Sir Eobert 
Aylward, went to bed, remarking that they could do 
no good by sitting up, while others, more concerned, 
waited to hear the verdict of the doctor, who must 
drive from six miles away. He came, and half an 
hour later Barbara entered the billiard room and 
told Alan, who was sitting there smoking, that her 
uncle had recovered from his faint, and that the 
doctor, who was stopping there all night, said that 
he was in no danger, only suffering from a heart 
attack brought on apparently by over-work or 
excitement. 

When Alan woke next morning the first thing 
that he heard through his open window was the 
sound of the doctor’s departing dogcart. Then 
Jeeki appeared and told him that Mr. Haswell was 
all right again, but that all night he had shaken 
“ like one jelly.” Alan asked what had been the 
matter with him, but Jeeki only shrugged his shoul- 
ders and said that he did not know — ‘‘ perhaps Yel- 
low God touch him up.” 

At breakfast, as in her note she had said she 
would, Barbara appeared wearing a short skirt. 
Sir Robert, who was there, also looking extremely 
pale even for him and with black rims round his 


ALAN AND BARBARA 63 

eyes, asked her if she was going to golf, to which 
she answered that she would think it over. It was 
a somewhat melancholy meal, and as though by 
common consent no mention was made of Jeeki’s 
tale of the Yellow God, and beyond the usual polite 
inquiries, very little of their host’s seizure. 

As Barbara went out she whispered to Alan, who 
opened the door for her, Meet me at half -past ten 
in the kitchen garden.” 

Accordingly, having changed his clothes surrepti- 
tiously, Alan, avoiding the others, made his way 
by a circuitous route to this kitchen garden, which 
after the fashion of modern places was hidden be- 
hind a belt of trees nearly a quarter of a mile from 
the house. Here he wandered about till presently 
he heard Barbara’s pleasant voice behind him 
saying : 

Don’t dawdle so, we shall be late for church.” 

So they started, somewhat furtively like runaway 
children. As they went Alan asked how her uncle 
was. 

All right now,” she answered, but he has had 
a bad shake. It was that Yellow God story which 
did it. I know, for I was there when he was coming 
to, with Sir Robert. He kept talking about it in a 
confused manner, saying that it was swimming to 
him across the floor, till at last Sir Robert bent over 
him and told him to be quiet quite sternly. Do you 
know, Alan, I believe that your pet fetish has been 
manifesting itself in some unpleasant fashion up 
there in the office.” 

“ Indeed. If so, it must be since I left, for I never 
heard of anything of the sort, nor are Aylward and 
your uncle likely people to see ghosts. In fact Sir 
Robert wished to give me more than £15,000 for 
the thing only the day before yesterday, which 


64 THE YELLOW GOD 

doesn’t look as though it had been frightening 
him.” 

Well, he won’t repeat the offer, Alan, for I 
heard him promise my uncle only this morning that 
it should be sent back to Yarleys at once. But why 
did he want to buy it for such a lot of money? Tell 
me quickly, Alan, I am dying to hear the whole 
story.” 

So he began and told her, omitting nothing, while 
she listened eagerly to every word, hardly inter- 
rupting him at all. As he finished his tale they 
reached the door of the quaint old village church 
just as the clock was striking eleven. 

Come in, Alan,” she said gently, and thank 
Heaven for all its mercies, for you should be a 
grateful man to-day.” 

Then without giving him time to answer she en- 
tered the church and they took their places in the 
great square pew that for generations had been 
occupied by the owners of the ancient house which 
Mr. Haswell pulled down when he built the Court. 
There were their monuments upon the wall and 
their gravestones in the chancel fioor. But now no 
one except Barbara ever sat in their pew ; even the 
benches set aside for the servants were empty, for 
those who frequented the Court were not church- 
goers and like master, like man.” Indeed the 
gentle-faced old clerg^mian looked quite pleased and 
surprised when he saw two inhabitants of that pala- 
tial residence amongst his congregation, although 
it is true that Barbara was his friend and helper. 

The simple sendee went on ; the first lesson was 
read. It cried woe upon them that join house to 
house and field to field, that draw iniquity with 
cords of vanity and sin as it were with a cart rope ; 
that call evil good and good evil, that put darkness 


ALAN AND BARBARA 


65 


for light and light for darkness, that justify the 
wicked for reward; that feast full but regard not 
the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation 
of His hand, for of such it prophesied that their 
houses great and fair should be without inhabitant 
and desolate. 

It was very well read, and Alan, listening, 
thought that the denunciations of the old seer of 
thousands of years ago were not inappropriate to 
the dwellers in some houses great and fair of his 
own day, who, whatever they did or left undone, 
regarded not the work of the Lord, neither consid- 
ered the operation of His hand. Perhaps Barbara 
thought so too; at any rate a rather sad little smile 
appeared once or twice upon her sweet, firm face 
as the immortal poem echoed down the aisle. 

The peace that passeth understanding was in- 
voked upon their heads, and rising with the rest of 
the scanty congregation they went away. 

“ Shall we walk home by the woods, Alan? ” 
asked Barbara. It is three miles round, but we 
don’t lunch till two.” 

He nodded, and presently they were alone in 
those woods, the beautiful woods through which 
the breath of spring was breathing, treading upon 
carpets of bluebells, violet and primrose, quite 
alone, unaccompanied save by the wild things that 
stole across their path, undisturbed save by the 
sound of the singing birds and of the wind among 
the trees. 

What did you mean, Barbara, when you said 
that I should be a grateful man to-day? ” asked 
Alan presently. 

Barbara looked him in the eyes in that op^n, 
virginal fashion of hers and answered in the words 
of the lesson, ^ Woe unto them that draw iniquity 


66 


THE YELLOW GOD 


with the cords of vanity and sin as it were with a 
cart-rope, that lay house to house, ^ ’’ and through 
an opening in the woods she pointed tb the roofs 
of the Court standing on one hill, and to the roof of 
Old Hall standing upon another — ‘ and field to 
field,^ ” and with a sweep of her hand she indicated 
all the country round, ^ for many houses great and 
fair that have music in their feasts shall be left 
desolate.’ Then turning she said: 

Do you understand now, Alan? ” 

I think so,” he answered. You mean that I 
have been in bad company.” 

Very bad, Alan. One of them is my own uncle, 
but the truth remains the truth. Alan, they are no 
better than thieves; all this wealth is stolen, and I 
thank God that you have found it out in time before 
you became one of them in heart as well as in 
name.” 

If you mean the Sahara Syndicate,” he said, 
the idea is sound enough ; indeed, I am responsible 
for it. The thing can be done, great benefits would 
result, too long to go into.” 

“ Yes, yes, Alan, but you know that they never 
mean to do it, they only mean to get the millions 
from the public. I have lived with my uncle for ten 
years, ever since my poor father died, and I know 
the backstairs of the business. There have been half 
a dozen schemes like this, and although they have 
had their bad times, very bad times, he and Sir 
Kobert have grown richer and richer. But what 
has happened to those who have invested in them? 
Oh ! let us drop the subject, it is unpleasant. For 
myself it doesn’t matter, because although it isn’t 
under my control, I have money of my own. You 
know we are a plebeian lot on the male side, my 
grandfather was a draper in a large way of business, 


ALAN AND BARBARA 


G7 


my father was a coal-merchant who made a great 
fortune. His brother, my uncle, in whom my father 
always believed implicitly, took to what is called 
Finance, and when my father died he left me, his 
only child, in his guardianship. Until I am five and 
twenty I cannot even marry or touch a halfpenny 
without his consent; in fact if I should marry 
against his will the most of my money goes to him.’^ 

I expect that he has got it already,^’ said Alan. 

No, I think not. I found out that, although it 
is not mine, it is not his. He can^t draw it without 
my signature, and I steadily refuse to sign any- 
thing. Again and again they have brought me docu- 
ments, and I have always said that I would consider 
them at five and twenty, when I came of age under 
my father^s will. I went on the sly to a lawyer in 
Kingswell and paid him a guinea for his advice, 
and he put me up to that. ^ Sign nothing,’ he said, 
and I have signed nothing, so, except by forgery 
nothing can have gone. Still for all that it may 
have gone. For anything I know I am not worth 
more than the clothes I stand in, although my 
father was a very rich man.” 

“ If so, we are about in the same boat, Barbara,” 
Alan answered with a laugh, for my present pos- 
sessions are Yarleys, which l3rings in about £100 a 
year less than the interest on its mortgages and 
cost of upkeep, and the £1700 that Aylward paid me 
back on Friday for my shares. If I had stuck to 
them I understand that in a week or two I should 
have been worth £100,000, and now you see, here I 
am, overy thirty years of age without a profession, 
invalided out of the army and having failed in 
finance, a mere bit of driftwood without hope and 
without a trade.” 


68 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Barbara’s brown eyes grew soft with sympathy, 
or was it tears? 

You are a curious creature, Alan,” she said. 

Why didn’t you take the £15,000 for that fetish of 
yours? It would have been a fair deal and have 
set you on your legs.” 

I don’t know,” he answered dejectedly. It 
went against the grain, so what is the use of talking 
about it? I think my old uncle Austin told me it 
wasn’t to be parted with — no, perhaps it was Jeeki. 
Bother the Yellow God! it is always cropping up.” 

Yes,” replied Barbara, the Yellow God is 
always cropping up, especially in this neighbour- 
hood.” 

They walked on a while in silence, till suddenly 
Barbara sat down upon the bole of a felled oak and 
began to cry. 

What is the matter with you? ” asked Alan. 

I don’t know,” she answered. Everything 
goes wrong. I live in a kind of gilded hell. I don’t 
like my uncle and I loathe the men he brings about 
the place. I have no friends, I scarcely know a 
woman intimately, I have troubles I can’t tell you 
and — I am wretched. You are the only creature I 
have left to talk to, and I suppose that after this 
row you must go away too to make your living.” 

Alan looked at her there weeping on the log and 
his heart swelled within him, for he had loved this 
girl for years. 

Barbara,” he gasped, please don’t cry, it up- 
sets me. You know you are a great heiress ” 

That remains to be proved,” she answered. 
“ But anyway, what has it to do with the case? ” 

“ It has everything to do with it, at least so far 
as I am concerned. If it hadn’t been for that I 


ALAN AND BAKBARA 69 

should have asked you to marry me a long while 
ago, because I love you, as I would now, but of 
course it is impossible/’ 

Barbara ceased her weeping, wiped her eyes with 
the back of her hand, and looked up at him. 

Alan,” she said, ‘‘ I think that you are the big- 
gest fool I ever knew — not but that a fool is rather 
refreshing when one lives among knaves.” 

I know I am a fool,” he answered. If I wasn’t 
I should not have mentioned my misfortune to you, 
but sometimes things are too much for one. Forget 
it and forgive me.” 

Oh ! yes,” she said ; I forgive you ; a woman 
can generally forgive a man for being fond of her. 
(Whatever she may say, she is ready to take a lenient 
view of his human weakness. But as to forgetting, 
that is a different matter. I don’t exactly see why 
I should be so anxious to forget, who haven’t many 
people to care about me,” and she looked at him in 
quite a new fashion, one indeed which gave him 
something of a shock, for he had not thought the 
nymph-like Barbara capable of such a look as that. 
She and any sort of passion had always seemed so 
far apart. 

Now after all Alan was very much a man, if a 
modest one, with all a man’s instincts, and there- 
fore there are appearances of the female face which 
even such as he could not entirely misinterpret. 

You — don’t — mean,” he said doubtfully, you 

don’t really mean ” and he stood hesitating 

before her. 

If you would put your question a little more 
clearly, Alan, I might be able to give you an an- 
swer,” she replied, that quaint little smile of hers 
creeping to the corners of her mouth like sunshine 
through a mist of rain. 


70 


THE YELLOW GOD 


You don’t really mean,” he went on, that you 
care anything about me, like, like I have cared for 
you for years?” 

Oh ! Alan,” she said, laughing outright, “ why 
in the name of goodness shouldn’t I care about you? 
I didn’t say that I do, mind, but why shouldn’t I? 
What is the gulf between us? ” 

“ The old one,” he answered, “ that between Dives 
and Lazarus.” 

Alan,” said Barbara, looking down, I don’t 
know what has come over me, but for some unex- 
plained and inexplicable reason I am inclined to 
give Lazarus a lead — across that gulf ! ” 

Now like the glance that preceded it, this was a 
saying that even Alan could not misunderstand. 
He sat himself on the log beside her, while she, still 
looking down, watched him out of the corners of 
her eyes. He went red, he went white, his heart beat 
very violently. Then he stretched out his big brown 
hand and took her small white one, and as this 
familiarity produced no remonstrance, let it fall, 
and passing his arm about her, drew her to him and 
embraced her, not once, but often, with such vigour 
that a squirrel which had been watching these pro- 
ceedings from a neighbouring tree, bolted round it 
scandalized and was seen no more. 

I love you, I love you,” he said huskily. 

So I gather,” she answered in a feeble voice. 

Do you care for me? ” he asked. 

It would seem that I must, Alan, otherwise I 
should scarcely — oh! you foolish Alan,” and heed- 
less of her Sunday hat, which never recovered this 
encounter, but was kept as a holy relic, she let her 
head fall upon his shoulder and began to cry again, 
this time for very happiness. 

He kissed her tears away, then as he could think 


ALAN AND BARBARA 71 

of nothing else to say, asked her if she would marry 
him. 

“ It is the general sequel to this kind of thing, I 
believe,’^ she answered ; or at any rate it ought to 
be. But if you want a direct answer — yes, I will, 
if my uncle will let me, which he won^t, as you have 
quarrelled with him, or at any rate two years hence, 
when I am five and twenty and my own mistress; 
that is if we have anything to marry on, for one 
must eat. At present our worldly possessions seem 
to consist chiefiy of a large store of mutual affec- 
tion, a good stock of clothes and one Yellow God, 
which after what happened last night, I do not 
think you will get another chance of turning into 
cash.’^ 

must make money somehow,’’ he said. 

Yes, Alan, but I am afraid it is not easy to do — 
honestly. Nobody wants people without capital 
whose only stock in trade is a brief but distin- 
guished military career, and a large experience of 
African fever.” 

Alan groaned at this veracious but discouraging 
remark, and she went on quickly: 

I mean to spend another guinea upon my friend 
the lawyer at Kingswell. Perhaps he can raise the 
wind, by a post-obit, or something,” she added 
vaguely, I mean a post-uncle-obit.” 

If he does, Barbara, I can’t live on your money 
alone, it isn’t right.” 

“ Oh ! don’t you trouble about that, Alan. If 
once I can get hold of those dim thousands you will 
soon be able to make more, for unto him that hath 
shall be given. But at present they are very dim, 
and for all I know may be represented by stock in 
deceased companies. In short, the financial posi- 
tion is extraordinarily depressed, as they say in 


72 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the Market Intelligence in The Times. But that’s 
no reason why we should be depressed also.” 

No Barbara, for at any rate we have got each 
other.” 

Yes,” she answered, springing up, we have got 
each other, dear, until Death do us part, and some- 
how I don’t think he’ll do that yet awhile ; it comes 
into my heart that he won’t do that, Alan, that you 
and I are going to live out our days. So what does 
the rest matter? In two years I shall be a free 
woman. In fact, if the worst comes to the worst, 
I’ll defy them all,” and she set her little mouth like 
a rpck. “ and marry you straight away, as being 
over age, I can do, even if it costs me every half- 
penny that I’ve got.” 

No, no,” he said, it would be wrong, wrong to 
yourself and wrong to your descendants.” 

Very well, Alan, then, we will wait, or perhaps 
luck will come our way — why shouldn’t it? At 
any rate for my part I never felt so happy in my 
life; for, dear Alan, we have found what we were 
born to find, found it once and for always, and the 
rest is mere etceteras. What would be the use of all 
the gold of the Asiki people that Jeeki was talking 
about last night, to either of us, if we had not each 
other? We can get on without the wealth, but we 
couldn’t get on apart, or at least I couldn’t and I 
don’t mind saying so.” 

“ No, my darling, no,” he answered, turning white 
at the very thought, we couldn’t get on apart — 
now. In fact I don’t know how I have done so so 
long already, except that I was always hoping that 
a time would come when we shouldn’t be apart. 
That is why I went into that infernal business, to 
make enough money to be able to ask you to marry 


ALAN AND BARBARA 73 

me. And now I have gone out of the business and 
asked you just when I shouldn’t.’’ 

Yes, so you see you might as well have done it a 
year or two ago when perhaps things would have 
been simpler. Well, it is a fine example of the 
vanity of human plans, and, Alan, we must be going 
home to lunch. If we don’t. Sir Robert will be 
organizing a search party to look for us; in fact, 
I shouldn’t wonder if he is doing that alread}^, in 
the wrong direction.” 

The mention of Sir Robert Aylward’s name fell 
on them both like a blast of cold wind in summer, 
and for a while they walked in silence. 

“ You are afraid of that man, Barbara,” said 
Alan presently, guessing her thoughts. 

A little,” she answered, so far as I can be 
afraid of anything any more. And you? ” 

A little also. I think that he will give us 
trouble. He can be very malevolent and resource- 
ful.” 

Resourceful, Alan ; well, so can I. I’ll back my 
wits against his any day. He shan’t separate us by 
anything short of murder, which he won’t go in for. 
Men like that don’t like to break the law; they 
have too much to lose. But no doubt he will make 
things uncomfortable for you, if he can, for several 
reasons.” 

Again they walked on lost in refiections, when 
Barbara suddenly saw her lover’s face brighten. 

What is it, Alan? ” she asked. 

Something that is rare enough with me, Bar- 
bara — an idea. You remember speaking about that 
Asiki gold just now. Well, why shouldn’t I go and 
get it? ” 

She stared at him. 


74 


THE YELLOW GOD 


“ It sounds a little speculative,” she said ; “ some- 
thing like one of my uncle’s companies.” 

Not half so speculative as you think. I have 
no doubt it is there and Jeeki knows the way. Also 
I seem to remember that there is a man and an 
account of the whole thing in Uncle Austin’s 
diaries, though to tell you the truth the old fellow 
wrote such a fearful hand, that I have never taken 
the trouble to read it. You see,” he went on with 
enthusiasm, it is the kind of business that I can 
do. I am thoroughly salted to fever, I know the 
West Coast, where I spent three years on that 
Boundary Commission, I have studied the natives 
and can talk several of their dialects. Of course 
there would be a risk, but there are risks in every- 
thing, and like you I am not afraid about that, 
for I believe that we have got our lives before us.” 

Read up those diaries, Alan, and we will talk 
the thing over again. I’ll pump Jeeki, who will 
tell me anything by coaxing, and try to get at the 
truth. Meanwhile what are you going to do about 
my uncle? ” 

Speak to him, of course, and have the row 
over.” 

Yes,” she answered, that is best and the most 
honest. Of course he can turn you out, but he can’t 
prevent my seeing you. If he does, go home to 
Yarleys and I’ll come over and call. Here we are, 
let us go in by the back door,” and she pointed to 
her crushed hat, and laughed. 


CHAPTEE V 


BARBARA MAKES A SPEECH 

While Alan and Barbara, on the most momen- 
tous occasion of their lives, were seated upon the 
fallen oak in the woods that thrilled with the 
breath of spring, another interview was taking 
place in Mr. Champers-Haswell’s private suite at 
the Court, the decorations of which, as he was wont 
to inform his visitors, had cost nearly £2000. Sir 
Kobert, whose taste at any rate was good, thought 
them so appalling that while waiting for his host 
and partner, whom he had come to see, he took a 
seat in the bow window of the sitting-room and 
studied the view that nobody had been able to spoil. 
Presently Mr. Haswell emerged from his bedroom, 
wrapped in a dressing gown and looking very pale 
and shaky. 

Delighted to see you all right again,’’ said Sir 
Kobert as he wheeled up a chair into which Mr. 
Haswell sank. 

“ I am not all right, Aylward,” he answered ; I 
am not all right at all. Never had such an upset 
in my life; thought that I was going to die when 
that accursed nigger told his beastly tale. Aylward, 
you are a man of the world, tell me, what is the 
meaning of the thing? You remember what we 
thought we saw in the office, and then — that story.” 

“ I don’t know,” he answered ; frankly I don’t 
know. I am a man who has never believed in any- 
thing I cannot see and test, one who utterly lacks 
faith. In my leisure I have examined into the 

75 


76 


THE YELLOW GOD 


religious systems and found them to be rubbish. I 
am convinced that we are but highly-developed 
mammals born by chance, and when our day is 
done, departing into the black Nothingness out of 
which we came. Everything else, that is, what is 
called the higher and spiritual part, I attribute to 
the superstitious incident to the terror of the hid- 
eous position in which we find ourselves, that of 
gods of a sort hemmed in by a few years of fearful 
and tormented life. But you know the arguments, 
so why should I enter on them? And now I am 
confronted with an experience which I cannot ex- 
plain. I certainly thought that in the office on Fri- 
day evening I saw that gold mask to which I had 
taken so strange a fancy that I offered to give Ver- 
non £15,000 for it because I thought that it brought 
us luck, swim across the fioor of the room and look 
first into your face and then into mine. Well, the 
next night that negro tells his story. What am 
I to make of it? ” 

Can’t tell you,” ansAvered Mr. Champers-Has- 
well with a groan. All I knoAV is that it nearly 
made a corpse of me. I am not like you, Aylward, 
I was brought up as an Evangelical, and although 
I haven’t given much thought to these matters of 
late years — well, Ave don’t shake them off in a hurry. 
I daresay there is something somewhere, and when 
the black man was speaking, that something seemed 
uncommonly near. It got up and gripped me by the 
throat, shaking the mortal breath out of me, and 
upon my word, Aylward, I have been wishing all the 
morning that I had led a different kind of life, as 
my old parents and my brother John, Barbara’s 
father, who was a very religious kind of man, did 
before me.” 

It is rather late to think of all that noAv, Has- 


77 


BAKBARA MAKES A SPEECH 

well,’’ said Sir Robert, shrugging his shoulders. 
“ One takes one’s line and there’s an end. Person- 
ally I believe that we are overstrained with the 
fearful and anxious work of this flotation, and have 
been the victims of an hallucination and a coinci- 
dence. Although I confess that I came to look upon 
the thing as a kind of mascot, I put no trust in 
any fetish. How can a bit of gold move, and how 
can it know the future? Well, I have written to 
them to clear it out of the office tomorrow, so it 
won’t trouble us any more. And now I have come 
to speak to you on another matter.” 

Not business,” said Mr. Haswell with a sigh. 
‘‘We have that all the week and there will be 
enough of it on Monday.” 

“ No,” he answered, “ something more important. 
About your niece Barbara.” 

Mr. Haswell glanced at him with those little eyes 
of his which were so sharp that they seemed to bore 
like gimlets. 

“ Barbara? ” he said. “ What of Barbara? ” 

“ Can’t you guess, Haswell? You are pretty good 
at it generally. Well, it is no use beating about the 
bush; I want to marry her.” 

At this sudden announcement his partner became 
exceedingly interested. Leaning back in the chair 
he stared at the decorated ceiling, and uttered his 
favourite wind-in-the-wiresl whistle. 

“ Indeed,” he said. “ I never knew that matri- 
mony was in your line, Aylward, any more than it 
has been in mine, especially as you are always 
preaching against it. Well, has the young lady 
given her consent? ” 

“No, I have not spoken to her. I meant to do 
so this morning, but she has slipped off somewhere, 
with Vernon, I suppose.” 


78 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Mr. Haswell whistled again, but on a new note. 

^^Pray do stop that noise,” said Sir Kobert; “ it 
gets upon my nerves, which are shaky this morn- 
ing. Listen : It is a curious thing, one less to be 
understood even than the coincidence of the Yellow 
God, but at my present age of forty-four, for the 
first time in my life I have committed the folly of 
what is called falling in love. It is not a case of a 
successful, middle-aged man wishing to ranger 
himself and settle down with a desirable partie, but 
of sheer, stark infatuation. I adore Barbara; the 
worse she treats me the more I adore her. I had 
rather that the Sahara dotation should fail than 
that she should refuse me. I would rather lose 
three-quarters of my fortune than lose her. Do 
you understand? ” 

His partner looked at him, pursed up his lips to 
whistle, then remembered and shook his head in- 
stead. 

No,” he answered. “ Barbara is a ni«e girl, 
but I should not have imagined her capable of in- 
spiring such sentiments in a man almost old 
enough to be her father. I think that you are the 
victim of a kind of mania, which I have heard of 
but never experienced. Venus — or is it Cupid? — 
has netted you, my dear Aylward.” 

‘‘ Oh ! pray leave gods and goddesses out of it, we 
have had enough of them already,” he answered, 
exasperated. That is my case at any rate, and 
what I want to know now is if I have your support 
in my suit. Kemember, I have something to offer, 
Haswell, for instance, a large fortune of which I 
will settle half — it is a good thing to do in our 
business, — and a baronetcy that will be a peerage 
before long.” 


79 


BAKBARA MAKES A SPEECH 

A peerage ! Have you squared that? 

I think so. There will be a General Election 
within the next three months, and on such oc- 
casions a couple of hundred thousand in cool cash 
come in useful to a Party that is short of ready 
money. I think I may say that it is settled. She 
will be the Lady Aylward, or any other name she 
may fancy, and one of the richest women in Eng- 
land. Now have I your support? 

“ Yes, my dear friend, why not, though Barbara 
does not want money, for she has plenty of her 
own, in first-class securities that I could never 
persuade her to vary, for she is shrewd in that 
way and steadily refuses to sign anything. Also 
she will probably be my heiress — and, Aylward,” 
here a sickly look of alarm spread itself over his 
face, I don’t know how long I have to live. That 
infernal doctor examined my heart this morning 
and told me that it was weak. Weak was his 
word, but from the tone in which he said it, I be- 
lieve that he meant more. Aylward, I gather that 
I may die any day.” 

Nonsense, Haswell, so may we all,” he replied 
with an affectation of cheerfulness which failed to 
carry conviction. 

Presently Mr. Haswell, who had hidden his face 
in his hand, looked up with a sigh and said : 

Oh ! yes, of course you have my support, for after 
all she is my only relation and I should be glad 
to see her safely married. Also, as it happens, 
she can’t marry anyone without my consent, at 
any rate until she is five and twenty, for if she 
does, under her father’s will all her property goes 
away, most of it to charities, except a beggarly 
£200 a year. You see my brother John had a great 
horror of imprudent marriages and a still greater 


80 THE YELLOW GOD 

belief in me, which as it chances, is a good thing 
for you/’ 

Had he? ” said Sir Robert. And pray why 
is it a good thing for me? ” 

Because, my dear Aylward, unless my observa- 
tion is at fault, there is another Richard in the 
field, our late partner, Vernon, of whom, by the 
way, Barbara is extremely fond, though it may only 
be in a friendly fashion. At any rate she pays 
more attention to his wishes and opinions than to 
mine and yours put together.” 

At the mention of Alan’s name Aylward started 
violently. 

I feared it,” he said, and he is more than ten 
years my junior and a soldier, not a man of busi- 
ness. Also there is no use disguising the truth, al- 
though I am a baronet and shall be a peer and he 
is nothing but a beggarly country gentleman with 
a D. S. O. tacked on to his name, he belongs to a 
different class to us, as she does too on her mother’s 
side. Well, I can smash him up, for you remember 
I took over that mortgage on Yarleys, and I’ll do 
it if necessary. Practically our friend has not a 
shilling that he can call his own. Therefore, Has- 
well, unless you play me false, which I don’t think 
you will, for I can be a nasty enemy,” he added with 
a threat in his voice, Alan Vernon hasn’t much 
chance in that direction.” 

I don’t know, Aylward, I don’t know,” replied 
Haswell, shaking his white head. ‘^Barbara is a 
strong-willed woman and she might choose to take 
the man and let the money go, and then — who can 
stop her? Also I don’t like your idea of smashing 
Vernon. It isn’t right, and it may come back on 
our own heads, especially yours. I am sorry that 
he has left us, as you were on Friday night, for 


BARBARA MAKES A SPEECH 81 

someliow he was a good, honest stick to lean on, 
and we want such a stick. But I am tired now, I 
really can’t talk any more. The doctor warned me 
against excitement. Get the girl’s consent, Ayl- 
ward, and we’ll see. Ah ! here comes my beef tea. 
Good-bye for the present.” 

When Sir Robert came down to luncheon he 
found Barbara looking particularly radiant and 
charming, already presiding at that meal and con- 
versing in her best French to the foreign gentle- 
men, who were paying her compliments. 

<< Forgive me for being late,” he said ; first of 
all I have been talking to your uncle, and after- 
wards skimming through the articles in yesterday’s 
papers on our little venture which comes out to- 
morrow. A cheerful occupation on the whole, for 
with one or two exceptions they are all favour- 
able.” 

Mon Dieu,” said the French gentleman on the 
right, seeing what they did cost, that is not 
strange. Your English papers they are so expen- 
sive; in Paris we have done it for half the money.” 

Barbara and some of the guests laughed outright, 
finding this frankness charming. 

But where have you been. Miss Champers? I 
thought that we were going to have a round of 
golf together. The caddies were there, I was therS, 
the greens had been specially rolled this morning, 
but there was no You.” 

“ No,” she answered, because Major Vernon 
and I walked to church and heard a very good 
sermon upon the observance of the Sabbath.” 

You are severe,” he said. “ Do you think it 
wrong for men who work hard all the week to play 
a harmless game on Sunday? ” 

Not at all. Sir Robert.” Then she looked at 


82 


THE YELLOW GOD 


him and, coming to a sudden decision, added, “ If 
you like I will play you nine holes this afternoon 
and give you a stroke a hole, or would you prefer a 
foursome? 

No, let us fight alone and let the best player 
win/^ 

Very well. Sir Robert ; but you mustn^t forget 
that I am handicapped.” 

Don^t look angry,” she whispered to Alan as 
they strolled out into the garden after lunch, I 
must clear things up and know what we have to 
face. 1^11 be back by tea-time, and we will have it 
out with my uncle.” 

The nine holes had been played, and by a single 
stroke Barbara had won the match, which pleased 
her very much, for she had done her best, and with 
such heavy odds in his favour Sir Robert, who had 
also done his best, was no mean opponent, even for 
a player of her skill. Indeed the fight had been 
quite earnest, for each party knew that it was but 
a prelude to another and more serious fight, and 
looked upon the result as in some sense an omen. 

I am conquered,” he said in a voice in which 
vexation struggled with a laugh, and by a woman 
over whom I had an advantage. It is humiliating, 
for I confess I do not like being beaten.” 

Don^t you think that women generally win if 
they mean to? ” asked Barbara. I believe that 
when they fail, which is often enough, it is be- 
cause they donT care, or can’t make up their minds. 
A woman in earnest is a dangerous antagonist.” 

Yes,” he answered, or the best of allies.” 
Then he gave the clubs and half-a-crown to the 
caddies, and when they were out of hearing, added, 
Miss Champers, I have been wondering for some 


BARBAEA MAKES A SPEECH 83 

time whether it is possible that you would become 
such an ally to me.” 

“ I know nothing of business, Sir Robert; my 
tastes do not lie that way.” 

“ You know well that I was not speaking of 
business, Miss Champers. I was speaking of another 
kind of partnership, that w^hich Nature has or- 
dained between men and women — marriage. Will 
you accept me as a husband? ” 

She opened her lips to speak, but he lifted his 
hand and went on, Listen before you give that 
ready answer which it is so hard to recall, or smooth 
away. I know all my disadvantages, my years, 
which to you may seem many; my modest origin; 
my trade, which, not altogether without reason, you 
despise and dislike. Well, the first two cannot be 
changed except for the worse; the second can be, 
and already is, buried beneath the gold and ermine 
of wealth and titles. What does it matter if I am 
the son of a City clerk who never earned more than 
£2 a week and was born in a tenement at Batter- 
sea, when I am one of the rich men of this rich 
land and shall die a peer in a palace, leaving mil- 
lions and honours to my children? As for the third, 
my occupation, I am prepared to give it up. It has 
served my turn, and after next week I shall have 
earned the amount that years ago I determined to 
earn. Thenceforth, set above the accidents of for- 
tune, I propose to devote myself to higher aims, 
those of legitimate ambition. So far as my time 
would allow I have already taken some share in 
politics as a worker; I intend to continue in them 
as a ruler which I still have the health and ability 
to do. I mean to be one of the first men in this 
Empire, to ride to power over the heads of all the 
nonentities whose only claim upon the confidence 


84 


THE YELLOW GOD 


of their countrymen is that they were born in a 
certain class, with money in their pockets and 
without the need to spend the best of their manhood 
in work. With you at my side I can do all these 
things and more, and such is the future that I have 
to offer to you.’’ 

Again she would have broken in upon his speech 
and again he stopped her, reading the unspoken 
answer on her lips. 

Listen: I have not told you all. Perhaps I 
have put first what should have come last. I have 
not told you that I love you earnestly and sincerely, 
with the settled, unalterable love that sometimes 
comes to men in middle-age who have never turned 
their thought that way before. I will not attempt 
the rhapsodies of passion which at my time of life 
might sound foolish or out of place; yet it is true 
that I am filled with this passion which has de- 
scended on me and taken possession of me. I who 
often have laughed at such things in other men, 
adore you. You are a joy to my eyes. If you are 
not in the room, for me it is empty. I admire the 
uprightness of your character, and even your 
prejudices, and to your standard I desire to ap- 
proximate my own. I think that no man can ever 
love you quite so well as I do, Barbara Champers. 
Now speak. I am ready to meet the best or the 
worst.” 

After her fashion Barbara looked him straight in 
the face with her steady eyes, and answered gently 
enough, for the man’s method of presenting his 
case, elaborate and prepared though it evidently 
was, had touched her. 

I fear it is the worst. Sir Kobert. There are 
hundreds of women superior to myself in every way 
who would be glad to give you the help and com- 


BAKBARA MAKES A SPEECH 85 

panionship you ask, with their hearts thrown in. 
Choose one of them, for I cannot do so.” 

He heard and for the first time his face broke, 
as it were. All this while it had remained mask- 
like and immovable, even when he spoke of his 
love, but now it broke as ice breaks at the pressure 
of a sudden fiood beneath, and she saw the depths 
and eddies of his nature and understood their 
strength. Not that he revealed them in speech, an- 
gry or pleading, for that remained calm and 
measured enough. She did not hear, she saw, and 
even then it was marvellous to her that a mere 
change in a man’s expression could explain so 
much. 

“ Those are very cruel words,” he said. “ Are 
they unalterable? ” 

Quite. I do not play in such matters, it would 
be wicked.” 

May I ask you one question, for if the answer 
is in the negative, I shall still continue to hope? Do 
you care for any other man? ” 

Again she looked at him with her fearless eyes 
and answered: 

Yes, I am engaged to another man.” 

To Alan Vernon? ” 

She nodded. 

When did that happen? Some years ago? ” 

No, this morning.” 

Great Heavens ! ” he muttered in a hoarse voice 
turning his head away, this morning. Then 
last night it might not have been too late, and last 
night I should have spoken to you, I had arranged 
it all. Yes, if it had not been for the story of that 
accursed fetish and your uncle’s illness, I should 
have spoken to you, and perhaps succeeded.” 
think not,” she said. 


86 


THE YELLOW GOD 


He turned upon her and notwithstanding the 
tears in his eyes they burned like fire. 

You think — ^you think/’ he gasped, but I 
know. Of course after this morning it was impos- 
sible. But, Barbara, I say that I will win you yet. 
I have never failed in any object that I set before 
myself, and do not suppose that I shall fail in this. 
Although in a way I liked and respected him, I 
have always felt that Vernon was my enemy, one 
destined to bring grief and loss upon me, even if he 
did not intend so to do. Now I understand why, 
and he shall learn that I am stronger than he. 
God help him! I say.” 

“ I think He will,” Barbara answered calmly. 

You are speaking wildly, and I understand the 
reason and hope that you will forget your words, 
but whether you forget or remember, do not sup- 
pose that you frighten me. You men who have 
made money,” she went on with swelling indigna- 
tion, who have made money somehow, and have 
bought honours with the moneys somehow, think 
yourselves great, and in your little day, your little, 
little day that will end with three lines in small 
type in The Times, you are great. You can buy 
what you want and people creep round you and ask 
you for doles and favours, and railway porters call 
you ^ my Lord ’ at every other step. But you for- 
get your limitations in this world, and that which 
lies above you. You say you will do this and that. 
You should study a book which few of you ever 
read, where it tells you that you do not know what 
you will be on the morrow; that your life is even 
as a vapour appearing for a little time and then 
vanishing away. You think that you can crush 
the man to whom I have given my heart because he 
is honest and you are dishonest, because you are 


87 


BARBAEA MAKES A SPEECH 

rich and he is poor, and because he chances to have 
succeeded where you have failed. Well, for myself 
and for him I defy you. Do your worst and fail, 
and when you have failed in the hour of your ex- 
tremity remember my words to-day. If I have 
given you pain by refusing you it is not my fault 
and I am sorry, but when you threaten the man who 
has honoured me with his love and whom I honour 
above every creature upon the earth, then I threaten 
back, and may the Power that made us all judge 
between you and me, as judge it will,” and burst- 
ing into tears she turned and left him. 

Sir Robert watched her go. 

What a woman ! ” he said meditatively, “ what 
a woman — to have lost. Well, she has set the stakes 
and we will play out the game. The cards all seem 
to be in my hands, but it would not in the least 
surprise me if she won the rubber, for the 
element that I call Chance and she would C£ill 
something else, may come in. Still, I never refused 
a challenge yet and we will play the game out with- 
out pity to the loser.” 

That night the first trick was played. When he 
got back to the Court Sir Robert ordered his motor- 
car and departed on urgent business, either to his 
own place, the Old Hall, or to London, saying only 
that he had been summoned away by telegram. As 
the 70-horse powder Mercedes glided out of the gates 
a pencilled note was put into Mr. Haswell’s hand. 

It ran : “ I have tried and failed — for the present. 
By ill-luck A. V. had been before me, only this 
morning. If I had not missed my chance last night 
owing to your illness, it would have been different 
I do not, however, in the least abandon my plan, in 
which of course I rely on and expect your support. 


88 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Keep V. in the office or let him go as you like. 
Perhaps it would be better if you could prevail 
Upon him to stop there until after the flotation. But 
whatever you say at the moment, I trust to you to 
absolutely veto any engagement between him and 
your niece, and to that end to use all your powers 
and authority as her guardian. Burn this note. 
E. 


CHAPTER VI 


MR HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 

Alan and Barbara sat in Mr. Champers-Has- 
welPs private sitting-room with the awful dec- 
orations, and before them by the fire Mr. Cham- 
pers-Haswell reclined upon his couch. Alan in a 
few, brief, soldier-like words had just informed 
him of his engagement to Barbara. During the re- 
cital of this interesting fact Barbara said nothing, 
but Mr. Haswell had whistled several times. Now 
at length he spoke, in that tone of forced geniality 
which he generally adopted towards his cousin. 

“ You are asking for the hand of a considerable 
heiress, Alan my boy,’’ he said, but you have 
neglected to inform me as to your own position.” 

Where is the use of telling you what you know 
already, Mr. Haswell? I have left the firm, 
therefore I have practically nothing.” 

You have practically nothing and yet Well, 

in my young days men were more delicate, they 
did not like being called fortune-hunters, but of 
course times have changed.” 

Alan bit his lip and Barbara sat up quite straight 
in her chair, observing which indications, Mr. 
Haswell went on hurriedly: 

“ Now if you had stopped in the firm and earned 
the very handsome competence in a small way 
which would have become due to you this week, 
instead of throwing us over at the last moment 
for some quixotic reasons of your own, it might 
have been a different matter. I do not say it would 

89 


90 


THE YELLOW GOD 


have been, I say it might have been, and you may 
remember a proverb about winks and nods and 
blind horses. So I ask you whether you are in- 
clined to withdraw that resignation of yours and 
bring up this question again let us say, next Sun- 
day? ” 

Alan thought a while before he answered. As he 
understood Mr. Haswell practically was promising 
to assent to the engagement upon these terms. The 
temptation was enormously great, the fiercest that 
he had ever been called upon to face. He looked at 
Barbara. She had closed her eyes and made abso- 
lutely no sign. For some reason of her own she 
had elected that he should determine this vital 
point without the slightest assistance from her. 
And it must be determined at once; procrastina- 
tion was impossible. For a moment he hesitated. 
On the one side was Barbara, on the other his con- 
science. After long doubts he had come to a cer- 
tain conclusion which he quite understood to be 
inconvenient to his partners. Should he throw it 
over now? Should he even try to make a sure and 
certain bargain as the price of his surrender? 
Probably he would not suffer if he did. The dota- 
tion was underwritten and bound to go througli; 
the scandal would come afterwards, months or 
years hence, long before which he could get out, as 
most of the others meant to do. No, he could not. 
His conscience was too much for him. 

I do not see any use in reconsidering that ques- 
tion, Mr. Haswell,” he said quietly; ‘‘we settled 
it on Friday night.” 

Barbara re-opened her brown eyes and stared 
amiably at the painted ceiling, and Mr. Haswell 
whistl^. 

“ Then I am afraid,” he said, “ that I do not see 


MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 91 

any use in discussing your kind proposal for my 
niece’s hand. Listen — I will be quite open with 
you. I have other views for Barbara, and as it hap- 
pens I have the power to enforce them, or at any 
rate to prevent their frustration by you. If Barbara 
marries against my will before she is five and 
twenty, that is within the next two years, her en- 
tire fortune, with the exception of a pittance, goes 
elsewhere. This I am sure is a fact that will in- 
fiuence you, who have nothing and even if it did 
not, I presume that you are scarcely so selfish as 
to wish to beggar her. 

No,” answered Alan, you need not fear that, 
for it would be wrong. I understand that you ab- 
solutely refuse to sanction my suit on the ground 
of my poverty, which under the circumstances is 
perhaps not wonderful. Well, the only thing to do 
is to wait for two years, a long time, but not 
endless, and meanwhile I can try to better my po- 
sition.” 

Do what you will, Alan,” said Mr. Haswell 
harshly, for now all his faux bonhomme manner had 
gone, leaving him revealed in his true character of 
an unscrupulous tradesman with dark ends of his 
own to serve. Do what you will, but understand 
that I forbid all communication between you and 
my niece, and that the sooner you cease to tres- 
pass upon a hospitality which you have abused, 
the better I shall be pleased.” 

I will go at once,” said Alan, rising, before 
my temper gets the better of me and I tell you some 
truths that I might regret, for after all you are 
Barbara’s uncle. But on your part I ask you to 
understand that I refuse to cut off from my 
cousin, who is of full age and has promised to be 
my wife,” and he turned to go. 


92 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Stop a minute, Alan,” said Barbara, who all 
this while had sat silent. I have something to say 
which I wish you to hear. You told us just now, 
uncle, that you have other views for me, by which 
you meant that you wish me to marry Sir Kobert 
Aylward, whom, as you are probably aware, I re- 
fused definitely this afternoon. Now I wish to make 
it clear at once that no earthly power will induce me 
to take as a husband a man whom I dislike, and 
whose wealth, of which you think so much, has in 
my opinion been dishonestly acquired.” 

What are you saying? ” broke in her uncle 
furiously. “ He has been my partner for years, 
you are refiecting upon me.” 

“ I am sorry, uncle, but I withdraw nothing. 
Even if Alan here were dead, I would not marry 
that man, and perhaps you will make him under- 
stand this,” she added with emphasis. Indeed 
I had sooner die myself. You told us also that if 
I marry against your will, you can take away all the 
property that my father left to me. Uncle, I shall 
not give you that satisfaction. I shall wait until I 
am twenty-five and do what I please with myself 
and my fortune. Lastly, you said that you forbade 
us to see each other or to correspond. I answer 
that I shall both write to and see Alan as often as 
I like. If you attempt to prevent me from doing 
so, I shall go to the Court of Chancery, lay all 
the facts before it, as I have been advised that I 
can do — not by Alan — please remember, all the 
facts, and ask for its protection and for a separate 
maintenance out of my estate until I am twenty- 
five. I am sure that the Court would grant me 
this and would declare that considering his dis- 
tinguished family and record Alan is a perfectly 


MK. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 93 

proper person to be my affianced husband. I think 
that is all I have to say.’’ 

‘‘ All you have to say ! ” gasped Mr. Haswell, “ all 
you have to say, you impertinent and ungrateful 
minx ! ” Then he fell into a furious fit of rage and 
in language that need not be repeated, poured a 
stream of threats and abuse upon Alan and herself. 
Barbara waited until he ceased from exhaustion. 

Uncle,” she said, you should remember that 
your heart is weak and you must not over excite 
yourself, also when you are calmer, that if you 
speak to me like that again, I shall go to the Court 
of Chancery at once, for I will not be sworn at by 
you or any other man. I apologize to you, Alan; 
I am afraid I have brought you into strange com- 
pany. Come, my dear, we will go and order your 
dogcart,” and putting her arm affectionately 
through his, she went with him from the room. 

‘‘I wonder who put her up to all this? ” gasped 
Haswell, as the door closed behind them. “ Some 
infernal lawyer. I’ll be bound. Well, she has got 
the whip hand of me, and I can’t face an investiga- 
tion in Chancery, especially as the only thing 
against Vernon is that the value of his land has 
fallen. But I swear that she shall never marry 
him while I live,” he ended in a kind of shout and 
the domed and painted ceiling echoed back his 
words — while I live ” after which the room was 
silent, save for the heavy thumping of his heart. 

When Alan reached home that night after his 
ten-mile drive he sent Jeeki to tell the housekeeper 
to find him some food. In his mysterious African 
fashion the negro had already collected much in- 
telligence as to the events of that day, mostly in 


94 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the servants^ hall, and more particularly from the 
two golf-caddies, sons of one of the gardeners, who 
it seemed instead of retiring with the clubs, had 
taken shelter in some tall whins and thence followed 
the interview between Barbara and Sir Robert with 
the intensest interest. Reflecting that this was 
not the time to satisfy his burning curiosity, Jeeki 
went and in due course returned with some cold 
mutton and a bottle of claret. Then came his 
chance, for Alan could scarcely touch the mutton 
and demanded toast and butter. 

“ Very inferior chop ” — that was his West Afri- 
can word for food — for a gentleman. Major,’’ he 
said, shaking his white head sympathetically and 
pointing to the mutton, — specially when he has un- 
expectedly departed from magniflcent eating of the 
Court. Why did you not wait till after dinner. 
Major, before retiring? ” 

Alan laughed at the man’s inflated English, and 
answered in a more nervous and colloquial style: 

Because I was kicked out, Jeeki.” 

“ Ah ! I gathered that kicking was in the wind. 
Major. Sir Robert Ay 1 ward, Bart., he also was 
kicked out, but by smaller toe.” 

Again Alan laughed and, as it was a relief to talk 
even to Jeeki, asked him: 

How do you know that? ” 
gathered it out of atmosphere. Major; from 
Sir Robert’s gentleman, from two youths wdio watch 
Sir Robert and the Miss Barbara talking upon golf 
green No. 9, from the machine driver of Sir Robert 
whose eyes he damn in public, and last but not least 
from his own noble countenance.” 

I see that you are observant, Jeeki.” 

“ Observation, Major, it is art of life. I see Miss 
Barbara’s eyes red like morning sky and I deduct. 


MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 95 

I see you shot out and gloomy like evening cloud, 
and I deduct. I listen at the door of Mr. HaswelFs 
room, I hear him curse and swear like holy saint 
in Book, and you and Miss Barbara answer him not 
like saint, though what you speak I cannot hear, 
and I deduct. Jeeki deduct this — that you make 
love to Miss Barbara in proper gentlemanlike, 
^nogamous, Christian fashion such as your late 
Reverend Uncle approve, and Miss Barbara, she 
make love to you with ten per cent, compound in- 
terest, but old gent with whistle, he not approve, 
he say, ^ Where corresponding cash ! ’ He say 
‘ Noble Sir Robert have much cash and interested 
in identical business. I prefer Sir Robert. Get out, 
you Cashless.’ Often I see this same thing when 
boy in West Africa, very common wherever sun 
shine. I note all these matters and I deduct — that 
Jeeki’s way and Jeeki seldom wrong.” 

Alan laughed for the third time, until the tears 
ran down his face indeed. 

Jeeki,” he said, you are a great rascal ” 

Yes, yes,” interrupted Jeeki, great rascal. 
Best thing to be in this world. Major. Honourable 
Sir Robert, Bart., M. P., and Mr. Champers-Has- 
well, D. L., J. P., they find that out long ago and 
sit on top of tree of opulent renown. Jeeki great 
rascal and therefore have Savings Bank account — 
go on. Major.” 

Well, Jeeki, because if you are a rascal you are 
kind-hearted and because I believe that you care 
for me 

^‘Oh! Major,” broke in Jeeki again, “that most 
utterably true. Honour bright I love you. Major, 
better than anyone on earth, except my late old 
woman, now happily dead, gone and forgotten in 
best oak coffin, £4 10 without fittings but polished. 


96 


THE YELLOW GOD 


and perhaps your holy uncle, Keverend Mr. Austin, 
also coffined and departed, who saved me from early 
extinction in a dark place. Major, I no like graves, 
I see too much of them, and can’t tell what lie on 
other side. Though everyone say they know, Jeeki 
not quite sure. May be all light and crowns of 
glory, may be nasty black hole and no way out. But 
this at least true, that I love you better, yes, better 
than Miss Barbara, for love of woman very poor, 
uncertain thing, quick come, quick go. Jeeki find 
that out — often. Yes, if need be, though death most 
nasty, if need be I say I die for you, which great 
unpleasant sacrifice,” and Jeeki in the genuine en- 
thusiasm of his warm heart, throwing himself upon 
his knees after the African fashion, seized his mas- 
ter’s hand and kissed it. 

^‘Thanks, Jeeki,” said Alan, very kind of you, 
I am sure. But we haven’t come to that yet, though 
no one knows what may happen later on. Now sit 
upon that chair and take a little whisky — not too 
much — for I am going to ask your advice.” 

Major,” said Jeeki, I obey,” and seizing the 
whisky bottle in a casual manner, he poured out 
half a tumbler full, for Jeeki was fond of whisky. 
Indeed before now this taste had brought him into 
conflict with the local magistrates. 

Put back three parts of that,” said Alan, and 
Jeeki did so. Now,” he went on, listen: this is 

the case. Miss Barbara and I are ” and he 

hesitated. 

Oh ! I know ; like me and Mrs Jeeki once,” said 
Jeeki, gulping down some of the whisky. “ Go on. 
Major.” 

And Sir Kobert Aylward is ” 

Same thing. Major. Continue.” 

And Mr. Haswell has ” 


MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 97 

Those facts all ascertained, Major/’ said Jeeki, 
contemplating his glass with a mournful eye. Now 
come to point, Major.” 

Well, the point is, Jeeki, that I am what you 
called just now cashless, and therefore ” 

Therefore,” interrupted Jeeki again, stick 
fast in honourable intention towards Miss Barbara 
owing to obstinate opposition of Mr. Haswell, 
legal uncle with control of property fomented by 
noble Sir Robert who desire same girl.” 

Quite right, Jeeki, but if you would talk a lit- 
tle less and let me talk a little more, we might get 
on better.” 

I henceforth silent, Major,” and lifting his 
empty tumbler Jeeki looked through it as if it were 
a telescope, a hint that Alan ignored. 

Jeeki, you infernal old fool, I want money.” 

Yes, Major, I understand. Major. Forgive me 
for breaking conspiracy of silence, but if £500 in 
Savings Bank any use, very much at your service, 
Major; also £20 more extracted last night from 
terror of wealthy Jew who fear fetish.” 

Jeeki, you old donkey, I don’t want your £500, 
I want a great deal more, £50,000 or £500,000. Tell 
me how to get it.” 

“ City best place. Major. But you chuck City, 
too much honest man, great mistake to be honest 
in this terrestial sphere. Often notice that in West 
Africa.” 

Perhaps, Jeeki, but I have done with the City. 
As you would say, for me it is ^ wipe out, finish.’ ” 
‘‘ Yes, Major, too much pickpocket, too much dirt. 
Bottom always drop out of bucket shop at last. I 
understand, end in police court and severe magis- 
trate, or perhaps even ^Gentleman of Jury; et- 
cetra.” 


98 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Well, Jeeki, then what remains? Now last 
night when you told us that amazing yarn of yours, 
you said something about a mountain full of gold, 
and houses full of gold, among your people. Jeeki, 

do you think ” and he paused, looking at him. 

Jeeki rolled his black eyes round the room and 
in a fit of absentmindedness helped himself to some 
more whisky. 

“ Do I think. Major, that this useless lucre could 
be converted into coin of King Edward? Not at 
all. Major, by no one. Major, by no one whatso- 
ever, except possibly by Major Alan Vernon, D. S. 
O., and by one Jeeki, Christian surname Smith.^^ 
‘‘ Proceed, Jeeki,^’ said Alan, removing the 
whisky bottle, proceed and explain.’^ 

“ Major, thus ; The Asiki tribe care nothing 
about all that gold, it no good to them. Dead peo- 
ple who live long, long ago, no one know when, dig 
it up and store it there and make the great fetish 
which they call Bonsa to keep away enemy who 
want to steal. Also old custom when any one in 
country round find big nugget, or pretty stone, like 
ladies wear on bosom, to bring it as offering to 
Bonsa, so that there now great plenty of all this 
stuff. But no one use it for anything except to set 
on walls of house of Asika, or to make basin, stool, 
table and pot to cook with. Once Arab come there 
and I see the priests give him weight in gold for 
iron hoe, though afterwards they murder him, not 
for the gold, but lest he go away and tell their 
secret.” 

One might trade with them then, Jeeki? ” 

He shook his white head doubtfully. 

“ Yes, perhaps, if you find anything they want 
buy and can carry it there. But I think there only 
one thing they want, and you got that. Major.” 


ME. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 99 

“ I, Jeeki! What have I got? 

The negro leant forward and tapped his master 
on the knee, saying in a portentous whisper : 

You got Little Bonsa, which more holy than any- 
thing, even than Big Bonsa her husband, I mean 
great 3 r, more powerful devil. That Little Bonsa 
sit in front room Asika’s house, and when she want 
see things, she put it in big basin of gold, but I no 
tell you what it float in. Also once or twice every 
year they take out Little Bonsa; Asika wear it on 
head as mask, and whoever they meet they kill as 
offering to Little Bonsa, that spirit come back to 
world to be priest of Bonsa. I tell you, Major, 
that Yellow God see thousand of people die.’’ 

Indeed,” said Alan. A pleasing fetish truly. 
I should think that the Asika must be glad it is 
gone.” 

No, not glad, very sorry. No luck for them when 
Little Bonsa go away, but plenty luck for those who 
got her. That why firm Aylward & Haswell make 
so much money when you join them and bring her 
to office. She drop green in eye of public so they 
no smell rat. That why you so lucky, not die of 
blackwater fever when you should; get safe out of 
den of thieves in City with good name; win love of 
sweet maiden. Miss Barbara. Little Bonsa do all 
those things for you, and by and by do plenty more, 
as Little Bonsa bring my old master, your holy 
uncle, safe out of that country because all the 
Asiki run away when they see him wear her on 
head, for they think she come sacrifice them after 
she eat up my life.” 

I don’t wonder that they ran,” said Alan, laugh- 
ing, for the vision of a missionary with Little Bonsa 
on his head caught his fancy. “ But come to the 


100 THE YELLOW GOD 

paint, you old heathen. What do you mean that I 
should do? 

Jeeki not heathen, Major, but plenty other 
things true in this world, besides Christian religion. 
I no want you do anything, but I say this— :you go 
back to Asika wearing Little Bonsa on head and 
dressed like Reverend uncle whom you very like, 
for he just your age then thirty years ago, and they 
give you all the gold you want, if you give them 
back Little Bonsa whom they love and worship 
for ever and ever, for Little Bonsa very, very old.” 

Alan sat up in his chair and stared at Jeeki, while 
Jeeki nodded his head at him. 

There is something in it,” he said slowly, speak- 
ing more to himself than to the negro, and perhaps 
that is why I would not sell the fetish, for as you 
say, there are plenty of true things in the world 
besides those which we believe. But, Jeeki, how 
should I find the way? ” 

No trouble. Major, Little Bonsa find way, want 
to get back home, very hungry by now, much need 
sacrifice. Think it good thing kill pig to Little 
Bonsa — or even lamb. She know you do your best, 
since human being not to be come at in Christian 
land, and say ^ thank you for life of pig.’ ” 

Stop that rubbish,” said Alan. I want a guide ; 
if I go, will you come with me? ” 

At this suggestion the negro looked exceedingly 
uncomfortable. 

Not like to, not like to at all,” he said, rolling 
his eyes. Asika-land very funny place for native- 
born. But,” he added sadly, “ if you go I must 
for I servant of Little Bonsa and if I stay behind, 
she angry and kill me because I not attend her 
where she walk. But perhaps if I go and take her 
to Gold House again, she pleased and let me off. 


MJl. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 101 

Also I able help you there. Yes, if you and Little 
Bonsa go, I go too.’’ 

After this announcement Jeeki rose and walked 
down the room, carrying the cold mutton in his 
hand. Then he returned, replaced it on the table 
and standing in front of Alan, said earnestly: 

Major, I tell you all truth, just this once. Jeeki 
think he got go with you to Asika-land. Jeeki have 
plenty bad dream lately. Little Bonsa come in mid- 
dle of the night and sit on his stomach and scratch 
his face with her gold leg, and say, ^ Jeeki, Jeeki, you 
son of Bonsa, you get up quick and take me back 
Bonsa Town, for I darned tired of City fog and 
finished all I come here to do. Now I want jolly 
good old sacrifice and got plenty business attend to 
there at home, things you not understand just yet. 
You take me back sharp, or I make you sit up, Jeeki, 
my boy ; ’ ” and he paused. 

Indeed,” said Alan ; and did she tell you any- 
thing else in her midnight visitations? ” 

“ Yes, Major. She say, ‘ You take that white mas- 
ter of yours along also, for I want come back Asika- 
land on his head, and someone wish see him there, 
old pal, what he forget but what not forget him. 
You tell him Little Bonsa got score she wants settle 
with that party and wish use him to square account. 
You tell him too that she pay him well for trip; he 
lose nothing if he play her game ’cause she got no 
score against him. But if he not go, that another 
matter, then he look out, for Little Bonsa very 
nasty customer if she riled, as his late partners 
find out one day.’ ” 

^^Ohl shut up, Jeeki. What’s the use of wasting 
time telling me your nightmares? ” 

“ Very well. Major, just as you like. Major. But 


102 THE YELLOW GOD 

I got other reasons why I willing go. Jeeki want 
see his ma.’’ 

Your ma? I never heard you had a ma. Besides 
she must be dead long ago.” 

No, Major, ’cause she turn up in dream too, 
very much alive, swear at me ’cause I took her 
blanket. Also she tough old woman, take lot kill 
her.” 

Perhaps you have a pa too,” suggested Alaii. 

Think not. Major, my ma always say she for- 
get him. What she mean, she not like talk about 
him, he such a swell. Why Jeeki so strong, so 
clever and with such beautiful face? No doubt 
’cause he son of very great man. All this true 
reason why he want go with you. Major. Still, 
p’raps poor old Jeeki make mistake, p’raps he 
dream ’cause he eat too much supper, p’raps his 

ma dead, after all. If so p’raps better stay 

at home — not know.” 

^^No,” answered Alan, ‘‘not know. What be- 
tween Little Bonsa and one thing and another my 
head is swimming — like Little Bonsa in the water.” 

“ Big Bonsa swim in water,” interrupted Jeeki. 
“ Little Bonsa swim in gold tub.” 

“ Well, Big Bonsa, or Little Bonsa, I don’t care 
which. I’m going to bed and you had better clear 
away these things and do the same. But, Jeeki, if 
you say a word of our talk to anyone, I shall be 
very angry. Do you understand? ” 

“ Yes, Major. I understand. I understand that 
if I tell secrets of Little Bonsa to anyone except 
you with whom she live in strange land away from 
home. Little Bonsa come at me like one lion, and 
cut my throat. No fear Jeeki split on Little Bonsa, 
oh! no fear at all,” and still shaking his head 


MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 103 

solemnly for the second time he seized the cold mut- 
ton and vanished from the room. 

A farrago of superstitious nonsense/’ thought 
Alan to himself when he had gone. But still there 
may be something to be made out of it. Evidently 
there is lots of gold in this Asiki country, if 
only one can persuade the people to deal.” 

Then weary of Jeeki and his tribal gods, Alan 
lit his pipe and sat a while thinking of Barbara 
and all the events of that tumultuous day. Not- 
withstanding his rebuff at the hands of Mr. Has- 
well and the difficulties and dangers which 
threatened, he felt even then that it had been a 
happy and a fortunate day. For had he not discov- 
ered that Barbara loved him with all her heart 
and soul as he loved Barbara? And as this was so, 
he did not care a — Little Bonsa about anything 
else. The future must look to itself, sufficient to 
the day was the abiding joy thereof. 

So he went to bed and for a while to sleep, but 
he did not sleep very long, for presently he fell 
to dreaming, something about Big Bonsa and Lit- 
tle Bonsa which sat, or rather floated on either side 
of his couch and held an interminable conversation 
over him, while Jeeki and Sir Robert Aylward, 
perched respectively at its head and its foot, like 
the symbols of the good and evil genii on a Moham- 
medan tomb, acted as a kind of insane chorus. He 
struck his repeater, it was only one o’clock, so he 
tried to go to sleep again, but failed utterly. Never 
had he been more painfully awake. 

For an hour or more Alan persevered, then at 
last in despair jumped out of bed wondering what 
he could do to occupy his mind. Suddenly he re- 
membered the diary of his uncle, the Rev. Mr. 
Austin, which he had inherited with the Yellow 


104 


THE YELLOW GOD 


God and a few other possessions, but never exam- 
ined. They had been put away in a box in the li- 
brary about fifteen years before, just at the time 
he entered the army, and there doubtless they re- 
mained. Well, as he could not sleep, why should 
he not examine them now, and thus get through 
some of this weary night? 

He lit a candle and went down to the library, 
an ancient and beautiful apartment with black oak 
panelling between the bookcases set there in the 
time of Elizabeth. In this panelling there were 
cupboards, and in one of the cupboards was the 
box he sought, made of teak wood. On its lid was 
painted, The Reverend Henry Austin. Passenger 
to Accra,’’ showing that it had once been his uncle’s 
cabin box. The key hung from the handle, and 
having lit more candles, Alan drew it out and un- 
locked it, to be greeted by a smell of musty docu- 
ments done up in great bundles. One by one he 
placed them on the fioor. It was a dreary occu- 
pation alone there in that great, silent room at the 
dead of night, one indeed with which he was soon 
satisfied, for somehow it reminded him of rifiing 
coffins in a vault. Before him so carefully put 
away lay the records of a good if not distinguished 
life, and until this moment he had never found 
the energy even to look through them. 

At length he came to the end of the bundles and 
saw that beneath lay a number of manuscript books 
packed closely with their backs upwards, marked — 

Journal ” — and with the year and sometimes the 
place of the author’s residence. As he glanced at 
them in dismay, for they were many, his eye caught 
the title of one inscribed — as w’^ere several others— 
“ West Africa,” and written in brackets beneath — 
^^This vol. contains all that is left of the notes of 


MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER 105 

my escape with Jeeki from the Asiki Devil-wor- 
shippers.’^ 

Alan drew it out, and having refilled and closed 
the box, bore it off to his room, where he proceeded 
to read it in bed. As a matter of fact he found that 
there was not very much to read, for the reason 
that most of the closely-written volume had been 
so damaged by water, that the pencilled writing had 
run and become utterly illegible. The centre pages, 
however, not having been soaked, could still be 
deciphered, at any rate in part, also there was a 
large manuscript map, executed in ink, apparently 
at a later date, on the back of which was written : 

I purpose, D. V., to re-write at some convenient 
time all the history of my visit to the unknown 
Asiki people, as my original notes were practically 
destroyed when the canoe overset in the Rapids 
and most of our few possessions were lost, except 
this book and the gold fetish mask which is called 
Little Bonsa or Small Swimming Head. This I 
think I can do with the aid of Jeeki from memory, 
but as the matter has only a personal and no re- 
ligious interest, seeing that I was not able even to 
preach the Word among those benighted and blood- 
thirsty savages in whose country, as I verily believe, 
the Devil has one of his principal habitations, it 
must stand over till a convenient season, such as 
the time of old age or sickness. H. A.” 

P.S, I ought to add with gratitude that even 
out of this hell fire I was enabled to snatch one 
brand from the burning, namely, the negro lad, 
Jeeki, to whose extraordinary resource and faith- 
fulness I owe my escape. After a long hesitation 
I have been able to baptize him, although I fear 
that the taint of heathenism still clings to him. 
Thus not six months ago I caught him sacrificing 


106 


THE YELLOW GOD 


a white coek to the image, Little Bonsa, in grati- 
tude, as to my horror he explained, for my having 
been appointed an Honorary Canon of the Cathe- 
dral. I have told him to take that ugly mask which 
has been so often soaked in human blood, and melt 
it down over the kitchen stove, after picking out the 
gems in the eyes, that the proceeds may be given 
to the poor. Note. I had better see to this myself, 
as where Little Bonsa is concerned, Jeeki is not to 
be trusted. He says (with some excuse) that it 
has magic, and that if he melts it down, he will 
melt down too, and so shall I. How dark and 
ridiculous are the superstitions of the heathen! 
Perhaps, however, instead of destroying the thing, 
which is certainly unique, I might sell it to a mu- 
seum, and thus spare the feelings of that weak ves- 
sel, Jeeki, who otherwise would very likely take it 
into his head to waste away and die, as these 
Africans do when their nerves are affected by ter- 
ror of their fetish.^’ 


CHAPTER VII 


THE DIARY 

Alan studied this route map carefully, and found 
that it started from Old Calabar, in the Bight of 
Bifra, on the west coast of Africa, whence it ran up 
to the Great Qua River, which it followed for a 
long way. Then it struck across country marked 
dense forest,’^ northwards, and came to a river 
called Katsena, along the banks of which the route 
went eastwards. Thence it turned northward again 
through swamps, and ended in mountains called 
Shaku, and in the middle of these mountains was 
written Asiki People live here on Raaba River.” 

The map was roughly drawn to scale, and Alan, 
who was an engineer accustomed to such things, 
easily calculated that the distance of this Raaba 
River from Old Calabar was about 350 miles as the 
crow flies, though probably the actual route to be 
travelled was nearer 500. 

Having mastered the map, he opened the water- 
soaked diary. Turning page after page, only here 
and there could he make out a sentence, such as 
so I defled that beautiful but terrific woman. I, 
a Christian minister, the husband of a heathen 
priestess ! Perish the thought. Sooner would I be 
sacrificed to Bonsa.” 

Then came more illegible pages and again a 
paragraph that could be read — They gave me ^ The 
Bean ’ in a gold cup, and knowing its deadly nature 
I prepared myself for death. But happily for me 
my stomach, always delicate, rejected it at once, 

107 


108 ' THE YELLOW GOD 

. 4 

though I felt queer for days afterwards. Whereon 
they clapped their hands and said I was evidently 
innocent and a great medicine man.’’ 

And again further on — never did I see so much 
gold whether in dust, nuggets, or worked articles. 
I imagine it must be worth millions, but at that time 
gold was the last thing with which I wished to 
trouble myself.” 

After this entry many pages were utterly effaced. 

The last legible passage ran as follows — So 
guided by the lad Jeeki, and wearing the gold mask. 
Little Bonsa, on my head, I ran through them all, 
holding him by the hand as though I were drag- 
ging him away. A strange spectacle I must have 
been with my old black clergyman’s coat buttoned 
about me, my naked legs and the gold mask, as pre- 
tending to be a devil such as they worship, I rushed 
through them in the moonlight, blowing the whistle 
in the mask and bellowing like a bull . . . Such 
was the beginning of my dreadful six months’ jour- 
ney to the coast. Setting aside the mercy of Provi- 
dence that preserved me for its own purposes, I 
could never have lived to reach it had it not been 
for Little Bonsa, since curiously enough I found 
this fetish known and dreaded for hundreds of 
miles, and that by people who had never seen it, yes, 
even by the wild cannibals. Whenever it was pro- 
duced food, bearers, canoes, or whatever else I might 
want were forthcoming as though by magic. Great 
is the fame of Big and Little Bonsa in all that part 
of West Africa, although, strange as it may seem, 
the outlying tribes seldom mention them by name. 
If they must speak of either of these images which 
are supposed to be man and wife, they call it the 
^ Yellow-God- who-lives-yonder. ’ ” 

Not another word of all this strange history could 


THE DIARY 


109 


Alan decipher, so with aching eyes he shut up the 
stained and tattered volume, and at last, just as the 
day was breaking, fell asleep. 

At eleven o^clock on that same morning, for he 
had slept late, Alan rose from his breakfast and 
went to smoke his pipe at the open door of the 
beautiful old hall in Yarleys that was clad with 
brown Elizabethan oak for which any dealer would 
have given hundreds of pounds. It was a charming 
morning, one of those that come to us sometimes in 
an English April when the air is soft as that of 
Italy and the smell of the earth rises like that of 
incense, and little clouds float idly across a sky of 
tender blue. Standing thus he looked out upon the 
park where the elms already showed a tinge of green 
and the ash-buds were coal black. Only the wal- 
nuts and the great oaks, some of them pollards of a 
thousand years of age, remained stark and stern in 
their winter dress. 

Alan was in a reflective mood and involuntarily 
began to wonder how many of his forefathers had 
stood in that same spot upon such April mornings 
and looked out upon those identical trees wakening 
in the breath of spring. Only the trees and the 
landscape knew, those trees which had seen every 
one of them borne to baptism, to bridal and to 
burial. The men and women themselves were for- 
gotten. Their portraits, each in the garb of his or 
her generation, hung here and there upon the walls 
of the ancient house which once they had owned or 
inhabited, but who remembered anything of them 
to-day? In many cases their names even were lost, 
for believing that they, so important in their time, 
could never sink into oblivion, they had not thought 
it necessary to record them upon their pictures. 

And now the thing Avas coming to an end. Unless 


110 


THE YELLOW GOD 


in this way or in that he could save it, what re- 
mained of the old place, for the outlying lands had 
long since been sold, must go to the hammer and 
become the property of some pushing and successful 
person who desired to found a family, and perhaps 
in days to be would claim these very pictures that 
hung upon the walls as those of his own ancestors, 
declaring that he had bought in the estate because 
he was a relative of the ancient and ruined family. 

Well, it was the way of the world, and perhaps 
it must be so, but the thought of it made Alan Ver- 
non sad. If he could have continued that business, 
it might have been otherwise. By this hour his late 
partners. Sir Kobert Aylward and Mr. Champers- 
Haswell, were doubtless sitting in their granite 
office in the City, probably in consultation with 
Lord Specton, who had taken his place upon the 
Board of the great Company which was being sub- 
scribed that day. No doubt applications for shares 
were pouring in by the early posts and by telegram, 
and from time to time Mr. Jeffreys respectfully re- 
ported their number and amount, while Sir Robert 
looked unconcerned and Mr. Haswell rubbed his 
hands and whistled cheerfully. Almost he could 
envy them, these men who were realizing great for- 
tunes amidst the bustle and excitement of that fierce 
financial life, whilst he stood penniless and stared 
at the trees and the ewes which wandered among 
them with their lambs, he who, after all his work, 
was but a failure. With a sigh he turned away to 
fetch his cap and go out walking — there was a 
tenant whom he must see, a shifty, new-fangled 
kind of man who was always clamouring for fresh 
buildings and reductions in his rent. How was he 
to pay for more buildings? He must put him off or 
let him go. 


THE DIARY 


111 


Just then a sharp sound caught his ear, that of 
an electric bell. It came from the telephone which, 
since he had been a member of a City firm, he had 
caused to be put into Yarleys at considerable ex- 
pense in order that he might be able to communi- 
cate with the office in London. Were they calling 
him up from force of habit? he wondered. He 
went to the instrument which was fixed in a little 
room he used as a study, and took down the receiver. 

Who is it? ’’ he asked. I am Yarleys. Alan 
Vernon.’^ 

And I am Barbara,^’ came the answer. How 
are you, dear? Did you sleep well? 

No, very badly. 

“ Nerves — Alan, you have got nerves. Now al- 
though I had a worse day than you did, I went to 
bed at nine, and protected by a perfect conscience, 
slumbered till nine this morning, exactly twelve 
hours. Isn’t it clever of me to think of this tele- 
phone, which is more than you would ever have 
done? My uncle has departed to London vowing 
that no letter from you shall enter this house, but 
he forgot that there is a telephone in every room, 
and in fact at this moment I am speaking round by 
his office within a yard or two of his head. How- 
ever, he can’t hear, so that doesn’t matter. My 
blessing be on the man who invented telephones, 
which hitherto I have always thought an awful 
nuisance. Are you feeling cheerful, Alan?” 

Very much the reverse,” he answered; never 
was more gloomy in my life, not even when I 
thought I had to die within six hours of blackwater 
fever. Also I have lots that I want to talk to you 
about and I can’t do it at the end of this confounded 
wire that your uncle may be tapping.” 

“ I thought it might be so,” answered Barbara, 


112 


THE YELLOW GOD 


so I just rang you up to wish you good-morning 
and to say that I am coming over in the motor to 
lunch with my maid Snell as chaperone. All right, 
donT remonstrate, I am coming over to lunch — I 
can’t hear you — never mind what people will say. 
I am coming over to lunch at one o’clock, mind you 
are in. Good-bye, I don’t want much to eat, but 
have something for Snell and the chauffeur. Good- 
bye.” 

Then the wire went dead, nor could all Alan’s 
Hello’s ” and Are you there’s? ” extract another 
syllable. 

Having ordered the best luncheon that his old 
housekeeper could provide Alan went off for his 
walk in much better spirits, which were further im- 
proved by his sucess in persuading the tenant to 
do without the new building for another year. In 
a year, he reflected, anything might happen. Then 
he returned by the wood where a number of new- 
felled oaks lay ready for barking. This was not a 
cheerful sight; it seemed so cruel to kill the great 
trees just as they were pushing their buds for an- 
other summer of life. But he consoled himself by 
recalling that they had been too crowded and that 
the timber was really needed on the estate. As he 
reached the house again carrying a bunch of white 
violets which he had plucked in a sheltered place 
for Barbara, he perceived a motor travelling at 
much more than the legal speed up the walnut 
avenue which was the pride of the place, and in it 
that young lady herself, and her maid, Snell, a 
middle-aged woman with whom, as it chanced, he 
was on very good terms, as once, at some trouble 
to himself, he had been able to do her a kindness. 

The motor pulled up at the front door and out 


THE DIARY 113 

of it sprang Barbara, laughing pleasantly and look- 
ing fresh and charming as the spring itself. 

There will be a row over this, dear,” said Alan, 
shaking his head doubtfully when at last they were 
alone together in the hall. 

Of course, there’ll be a row,” she answered. I 
mean that there should be a row. I mean to have 
a row every day if necessary, until they leave me 
alone to follow my own road, and if they won’t, as 
I said, to go to the Court of Chancery for protection. 
Oh ! by the way, I have brought you a copy of The 
Judge, There’s a most awful article in it about that 
Sahara flotation, and among other things it an- 
nounces that you have left the firm and congratu- 
lates you upon having done so.” 

They’ll think I have put it in,” groaned Alan as 
he glanced at the head lines, which were almost 
libellous in their vigour, and the summaries of the 
financial careers of Sir Robert Aylward and Mr. 
Champers-Haswell. It will make them hate me 
more than ever, and I say, Barbara, we can’t live 
in an atmosphere of perpetual warfare for the next 
two years.” 

I can, if need be,” answered that determined 
young woman. But I admit that it would be try- 
ing for you, if you stay here.” 

That’s just the point, Barbara. I must not stay 
here, I must go away, the further the better, until 
you are your own mistress.” 

Where to, Alan? ” 

To West Africa, I think.” 

<< To West Africa? ” repeated Barbara, her voice 
trembling a little. After that treasure, Alan? ” 

Yes, Barbara. But first come and have your 
lunch, then we will talk. I have got lots to tell and 
show you.” 


114 


THE YELLOW GOD 


So they lunched, g^peaking of indifferent things, 
for the servant was there waiting on them. Just 
as they were finishing their meal Jeeki entered the 
room carrying a box and a large envelope addressed 
to his master, which he said had been sent by special 
messenger from the office in London. 

‘^What’s in the box? asked Alan, loo, king some- 
what nervously at the envelope, which was ad- 
dressed in a writing that he knew. 

Don^t know for certain. Major,’’ answered Jeeki, 
but think Little Bonsa ; think I smell her through 
wood. Little Bonsa always have sweet smell.”. 

Well, look and see,” replied Alan, while he 
broke the seal of the envelope and drew out its con- 
tents. They proved to be sundry documents sent 
by the firm’s lawyers, among which were a notice of 
the formal dissolution of partnership to be approved 
by him before it appeared in the Gazette, a second 
notice calling in a mortgage for fifteen thousand 
and odd pounds on Yarleys, which as a matter of 
business had been taken over by the firm while he 
was a partner; a cash account showing a small 
balance against him, and finally a receipt for him 
to sign acknowledging the return of the gold image 
that was his property. 

You see,” said Alan with a sigh, pushing over 
the papers to Barbara, who read them carefully one 
by one. 

I see,” she answered presently. It is war to 
the knife. Alan, I hate the idea of it, but perhaps 
you had better go away. While you are here they 
will harass the life out of you.” 

Meanwhile with the aid of a big jackknife and 
the dining-room poker, Jeeki had prized off the lid 
of the box. Chancing to look round Barbara saw 
him on his knees muttering something in a strange 


THE DIARY 115 

tongue, and bowing liis white head until it touched 
an object that lay within the box. 

What are you doing, Jeeki? ’’ she asked. 

Make bow to Little Bonsa, Miss Barbara, tell 
her how glad I am see her come back from town. 
She like feel welcome. Now you come bow too. 
Little Bonsa take that as compliment.” 

“ I wonT bow, but I will look, Jeeki, for although 
I have heard so much about it I have never really 
examined this Yellow God.” 

“ Very good, you come look, miss,” and Jeeki 
propped up the case upon the end of the dining- 
room table. As from its height and position she 
could not see its contents very well whilst standing 
above it, Barbara knelt down to get a better view 
of it. 

My goodness! ” she exclaimed, what a terrible 
face, beautiful too in its way.” 

Hardly had the words left her lips when for some 
reason unexplained that probably had to do with 
the sliifting of the centre of gravity. Little Bonsa 
appeared to glide or fall out of her box with a 
startling suddenness, and project herself straight 
at Barbara, who, with a faint scream, fearing lest 
the precious thing should be injured, caught it in 
her arms and for a moment hugged it to her breast. 

Saved ! ” she exclaimed, recovering herself and 
placing it on the table, whereon Jeeki, to their 
astonishment, began to execute a kind of war dance. 

Oh ! yes,” he said, saved, very much saved. All 
saved, most magnificent omen. Lady kneel to Little 
Bonsa and Little Bonsa nip out of box, make bow 
and jump in lady’s arms. That splendid, first-class 
luck, for miss and everybody. When Little Bonsa 
do that need fear nothing no more. All come right 
as rain.” 


116 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Nonsense/’ said Barbara, laughing. Then from 
a cautious distance she continued her examination 
of the fetish. 

See,” said Jeeki, pointing to the misshapen 
little gold legs which were yet so designed that it 
could be stood up upon them, when anyone wear 
Little Bonsa, tie her on head behind by these legs; 
look, here same old leather string. Now I put her 
on, for she like to be worn again,” and with a quick 
movement- he clapped the mask on to his face, 
manipulated the greasy black leather thongs and 
made them fast. Thus adorned the great negro 
looked no less than terrific. 

I see you, miss,” he said, turning the fixed eyes 
of opal-like stone, bloodshot with little rubies, upon 
Barbara, “ I see you, though you no see me, for 
these eyes made very cunning. But listen, you hear 
me,” and suddenly from the mask, produced by 
some contrivance set within it, there proceeded an 
awful, howling sound that made her shiver. 

Take that thing off, Jeeki,” said Alan, we 
don’t want any banshees here.” 

Banshees? Not know him, he poor English 
fetish praps,” said Jeeki as he removed the mask. 

This real African god, howl banshee and all that 
sort into middle of next week. This Little Bonsa 
and no mistake, ten thousand years old and more, 
eat up lives, so many that no one can count them, 
and go on eating for ever, yes unto the third and 
fourth generation, as the Ten Commandments lay 
it down for benefit of Christian man, like me. Look 
at her again. Miss Barbara.” 

Barbara took the hateful, ancient thing in her 
hands and studied it. No one could doubt its an- 
tiquity, for the gold plate of which it was made was 
literally worn away wherever it had touched the 


THE DIARY 


117 


foreheads of the high priests or priestesses who 
donned it upon festive occasions or days of sacrifice, 
showing that hundreds and hundreds of them must 
have used it thus in succession. So was the vocal 
apparatus within the mouth, and so were the little 
toad-like feet upon which it was stood up. Also 
the substance of the gold itself was here and there 
pitted as though with acid or salts, though what 
those salts were she did not inquire. And yet, so 
consummate was the art with which it had origi- 
nally been fashioned, that the battered beautiful 
face of Little Bonsa still peered at them with the 
same devilish smile that it had worn when it left 
the hands of its maker, perhaps before Mohammed 
preached his holy war, or even earlier. 

What is all that writing on the back of it? ’’ 
asked Barbara, pointing to the long lines of rune- 
like characters which were inscribed within the 
mask. 

Not know, miss, they dead tongue cut in the 
beginning when black men could write. But Asiki 
priests remember every one of them, and that why 
no one can copy Little Bonsa, for they look inside 
and see if letters all right. They say they names of 
those who died for Little Bonsa, and when they all 
done. Little Bonsa begin again, for Little Bonsa 
never die.’^ 

Well/’ said Barbara, take Little Bonsa away, 
for however lucky she may be, she makes me feel 
sick.” 

Where shall I put her. Major?” asked Jeeki of 
Alan. In box in library where she used to live, 
or in plate-safe with spoons? Or under your bed 
where she always keep eye on you? ” 

Oh ! put her with the spoons,” said Alan angrily, 
and Jeeki departed with his treasure. 


118 


THE YELLOW GOD 


I think, dear/’ remarked Barbara as the door 
closed behind him, that if I come to lunch here 
any more, I shall bring my own christening present 
with me, for I can’t eat off silver that has been 
shut up with that thing. Now let us get to busi- 
ness — show me the diary and the map.” 

Dearest Alan,” wrote Barbara from the Court 
two days later, I have been thinking everything 
over, and since you are so set upon it, I suppose 
that you had better go. To me the whole adventure 
seems perfectly mad, but at the same time I believe 
in our luck, or rather in the Providence which 
watches over us, and I don’t believe that you, or I 
either, will come to any harm. If you stop here, 
you will only eat your heart out and communica- 
tion between us must become increasingly difficult. 
My uncle is furious with you, and since he discov- 
ered that we were talking over the telephone, to 
his own great inconvenience he has had the wires 
cut outside the house. That horrid letter of his to 
you saying that you had ‘ compromised ’ me in 
pursuance of ^ a mercenary scheme ’ is all part and 
parcel of the same thing. How are you to stop here 
and submit to such insults? I went to see my friend 
the lawyer, and he tells me that of course we can 
marry if we like, but in that case my father’s will, 
which he has consulted at Somerset House, is ab- 
solutely definite, and if I do so in opposition to my 
uncle’s wishes, I must lose everything except £200 
a year. Now I am no money-grubber, but I will 
not give my uncle the satisfaction of robbing me of 
my fortune, which may be useful to both of us by 
and by. The lawyer says also that he does not think 
that the Court of Chancery would interfere, having 
no power to do so so far as the will is concerned, 


THE DIARY 


119 


and not being able to make a ward of a person like 
myself who is over age and has the protection of 
the common law of the country. So it seems to me 
that the only thing to do is to be patient, and wait 
until time unties the knot. 

“ Meanwhile, if you can make some money in 
Africa, so much the better. So go, Alan, go as soon 
you like, for I do not wish to prolong this agony, or 
to see you exposed daily to all you have to bear. 
Whenever you return you will find me waiting for 
you, and if you do not return, still I shall wait, as 
you in like circumstances will wait for me. But I 
think you will return.” 

Then followed much that need not be written, 
and at the end a postscript which ran : 

I am glad to hear that you have succeeded in 
shifting the mortgage on Yarleys, although the in- 
terest is so high. Write to me whenever you get a 
chance, to the care of the lawyer, for then the letters 
will reach me, but never to this house, or they may 
be stopped. I will do the same to you to the address 
you give. Good-bye, dearest Alan, my true and only 
lover. I wonder where and when we shall meet 
again. God be with us both and enable us to bear 
our trial. 

P. S. I hear that the Sahara flotation was 
really a success, notwithstanding the Judge attacks. 
Sir Robert and my uncle have made millions. I 
wonder how long they will keep them.” 

A week after he received this letter Alan was on 
the seas heading for the shores of Western Africa. 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE DWARF FOLK 

It was dawn at last. All night it had rained as 
it can rain in West Africa, falling on the wide river 
with a hissing splash, sullen and continuous. Now, 
towards morning, the rain had ceased and every- 
where rose a soft and pearly mist that clung to the 
face of the waters and seemed to entangle itself like 
strands of wool among the branches of the border- 
ing trees. On the bank of the river at a spot that 
had been cleared of bush, stood a tent, and out of 
this tent emerged a white man wearing a sun helmet 
and grey flannel shirt and trousers. It was Alan 
Vernon, who in these surroundings looked larger 
and more commanding than he had done at the 
London office, or even in his own house of Yarleys. 
Perhaps the moustache and short brown beard 
which he had grown, or his skin, already altered 
and tanned by the tropics, had changed his appear- 
ance for the better. At any rate it was changed. 
So were his manner and bearing, whereof all the 
difference had gone. Now they were those of a 
man accustomed to command who found himself 
in his right place. 

Jeeki,^’ he called, wake up those fellows and 
come and light the oil-stove. I want my coffee.” 

Thereon a deep voice was heard speaking in some 
native tongue and saying : 

Cease your snorings, you black hogs, and arouse 
yourselves, for your lord calls you,” an invocation 
120 


THE DWARF FOLKS 121 

that was followed by the sound of kicks, thumps, 
and muttered curses. 

A minute or two later Jeeki himself appeared, 
and he also was much changed in appearance, for 
now instead of his smart, European clothes, he 
wore a white robe and sandals that gave him an air 
at once dignified and patriarchal. 

Good-morning, Major, he said cheerfully. “ I 
hope you sleep well. Major, in this low-lying and 
accursed situation, which is more than we do in 
boat that half full of water, to say nothing of smell 
of black man and mosquito. But the rain it over 
and gone, and presently the sun shine out, so might 
be much worse, no cause at all complain.’’ 

I don’t know,” anvswered Alan, with a shiver. 

I believe that I am fever proof, but otherwise I 
should have caught it last night, and — just give me 
the quinine, I will take five grains for luck.” 

“ Yes, yes, for luck,” answered Jeeki as he opened 
the medicine chest and found the quinine, at the 
same time glancing anxiously out of the corner of 
his eye at his master’s face, for he knew that the 
spot where they had slept was deadly to white men 
at this season of the year. “ You not catch fever. 
Little Bonsa,” here he dropped his voice and looked 
down at a box which had served Alan for a pillow, 
“see to that. But quinine give you appetite for 
breakfast. Very good chop this morning. Which 
you like best? Cold buck, or fish, or one of them 
ducks you shoot yesterday? ” 

“ Oh ! some of the cold meat, I think. Give the 
ducks to the boatmen, I don’t fancy them in this 
hot place. By the way, Jeeki, we leave the Qua 
River here, don’t we? ” 

“ Yes, yes, Major, just here. I ’member spot well, 
for your uncle he pray on it one whole hour; I 


122 THE YELLOW GOD 

pretend pray too, but in lieart give thanks to Little 
Bonsa, for heathen in those days, quite different 
now. This morning we begin walk through forest 
where it rather dark and cool and comfortable, that 
is if we no seek dwarf people from whom good Lord 
deliver us,^’ and he bowed towards the box contain- 
ing Little Bonsa! 

‘^Will those four porters come with us through 
the forest, Jeeki, as they promised? 

Yes, yes, they come. Last night they say they 
not come, too much afraid of dwarf. But I settle 
their hash. I tell them I save up bits of their hair 
and toe nails when they no thinking, and I mix it 
with medicine, and if they not come, they die every 
one before they get home. They think me great 
doctor and they believe. Perhaps they die if they 
go on. If so, I tell them that because they want 
show white feather, and they think me greater 
doctor still. Oh ! they come, they come, ho fear, or 
else Jeeki know reason why. Now here coffee, 
Major. Drink him hot before you go take tub, but 
keep in shallow water, because crocodile he very 
early riser. 

Alan laughed, and departed to take tub.’’ Not- 
withstanding the mosquitoes that buzzed round him 
in clouds, the water was cool and pleasant by com- 
parison with the hot, sticky air, and the feel of it 
seemed to rid him of the languor resulting from his 
disturbed night. 

A month had passed since he had left Old Cala- 
bar, and owing to the incessant rains the journeying 
had been hard. Indeed the white men there thought 
that he was mad to attempt to go up the river at 
this season. Of course he had said nothing to them 
of the objects of his expedition, hinting only that 
he wished to explore and shout, and perhaps pros- 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


123 


pect for mines. But knowing as they did, that he 
was an Engineer officer with a good record and 
much African experience, they soon made up their 
minds that he had been sent by Government upon 
some secret mission that for reasons of his own he 
preferred to keep to himself. This conclusion, 
which Jeeki zealously fostered behind his back, in 
fact did Alan a good turn, since owing to it he ob- 
tained boatmen and servants at a season when, had 
he been supposed to be but a private person, these 
would scarcely have been forthcoming at any price. 
Hitherto his journey had been one long record of 
mud, mosquitoes, and misery, but otherwise devoid 
of incident, except the eating of one of his boatmen 
by a crocodile which was a particularly early 
riser,’’ for it had pulled the poor fellow out of the 
canoe in which he lay asleep at night. Now, how- 
ever, the real dangers were about to begin, since 
at this spot he left the great river and started for- 
ward through the forest on foot with Jeeki and 
the four bearers whom he had paid highly to accom- 
pany him. 

He could not conceal from himself that the en- 
terprise seemed somewhat desperate. But of this 
he said nothing in the long letter he had written to 
Barbara on the previous night, sighing as he sealed 
it, at the thought that it might well be the last 
which would ever reach her from him, even if the 
boatmen got safely back to Calabar and remem- 
bered to put it in the post. The enterprise had been 
begun and must be carried through, until it ended 
in success — or death. 

An hour later they started. First walked Alan 
as leader of the expedition, carrying a double-bar- 
relled gun that could be used either for ball or shot, 
about fifty cartridges with brass cases to protect 


124 


THE YELLOW GOD 


them from the damp, a revolver, a hunting-knife, a 
cloth mackintosh, and lastly, strapped upon his 
back like a knapsack, a tin box containing the 
fetish. Little Bonsa, which was too precious to be 
trusted to anyone else. It was quite a sufficient 
load for any white man in that climate, but being 
very wiry, Alan did not feel its weight, at any rate 
at first. 

After him in single file came the four porters, 
laden with a small tent, some tinned provisions and 
brandy, ammunition, a box containing beads, 
watches, etc., for presents, blankets, spare clothing 
and so forth. These were stalwart fellows enough, 
who knew the forest, but their dejected air showed 
that now they had come face to face with its dan- 
gers, they heartily wished themselves anywhere else. 
Indeed, notwithstanding their terror of Jeeki^s med- 
icine, at the last moment they threw down their 
loads intending to make a wild rush for the depart- 
ing boat, only to be met by Jeeki himself who, 
anticipating some such move, was waiting for them 
on the bank with a shotgun, where he remained 
until the canoe was too far out in the stream for 
them to reach it by swimming. Then he asked them 
if they wished to sit and starve there with the devils 
he would leave them for company, or if they would 
carry out their bargain like honest men? 

The end of it was they took up their loads again 
and marched, while behind them walked the terrible 
and gigantic J eeki, the barrels of the shotgun which 
he carried at full cock and occasionally used to prod 
them, pointing directly at their backs. A strange 
object he looked truly, for in addition to the 
weapons with which he bristled, several cooking- 
pots were slung about him, to say nothing of a cork 
mattress and a mackintosh sheet tied to his shoul- 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


125 


ders beneath his robe, a box containing medicines 
and food which he carried on his head, and fastened 
to the top of it with string like a helmet on a coffin, 
an enormous solar-tope stuffed full of mosquito 
netting, of which the ends fell about him like a 
green veil. When Alan remonstrated with him as 
to the cork mattress, suggesting that it should be 
thrown away as too hot to wear, Jeeki replied that 
he had been cold for thirty years, and wished to 
get warm again. Guessing that his real reason for 
declining to part with the article, was that his 
master should have something to lie on, other than 
the damp ground, Alan said no more at the time, 
which, as will be seen, was fortunate for Jeeki. 

For a mile or more their road ran through fan- 
tastic-looking mangrove trees rooted in the mud, 
that in the mist resembled, Alan thought, many- 
legged arboreal octopi feeling for their food, and 
tall reeds on the tops of which sat crowds of chat- 
tering finches. Then just as the sun broke out, 
strongly cheering them with its warmth and suck- 
ing up the vapours, they entered sparse bush with 
palms and great cotton trees growing here and 
there, and so at length came to the borders of the 
mighty forest. 

Oh ! dark, dark was that forest ; he who entered it 
from the cheerful sunshine felt as though suddenly 
and without preparation he had wandered out of the 
light we know into some dim Hades such as the old 
Greek fancy painted, where strengthless ghosts flit 
aimlessly, mourning the lost light. Everywhere the 
giant boles of trees shooting the height of a church 
tower into the air without a branch; great rib- 
rooted trees, and beneath them a fierce and hungry 
growth of creepers. Where a tree had fallen within 
the last century or so, these creepers ramped up- 


126 


THE YELLOW GOD 


wards in luxuriance, their stems thick as the body 
of a man, drinking the shaft of light that pierced 
downwards, drinking it with eagerness ere the 
boughs above met again and starved them. Where 
no tree had fallen the creepers were thin and weak ; 
from year to year they lived on feebly, biding their 
time, but still they lived, knowing that some day 
it would cohie. And always it was coming to those 
expectant parasites, since from minute to minute, 
somewhere in the vast depths, miles and miles away 
perhaps, a great crash echoed in the stillness, the 
crash of a tree that, sown when the Saxons ruled 
in England, or perhaps before Cleopatra bewitched 
Anthony, came to its end at last. 

On the second day of their march in the forest 
Alan chanced to see such a tree fall, and the sight 
was one that he never could forget. As it happened, 
owing to the vast spread of its branches which had 
killed out all rivals beneath, for in its day it had 
been a very successful tree endued with an excel- 
lent constitution by its parent, it stood somewhat 
alone, so that from several hundred yards away as 
these six human beings crept towards it like ants 
towards a sapling in a cornfield, its mighty girth 
and bulk set upon a little mound and the luxuriant 
greenness of its far-reaching boughs made a kind 
of landmark. Then in the hot noon when no breath 
stirred suddenly came the end. Suddenly that 
mighty bole seemed to crumble, suddenly those far- 
reaching arms were thrown together as their sup- 
port vanished, gripping at each other like living 
things, hogging the air, screaming in their last 
agony, and then Avith an awful wailing groan sink- 
ing, a tumbled ruin, to the earth. 

Silence again, and in the midst of the silence 
Jeeki’s cheerful voice. 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


127 


Old tree go flop. Glad he no flop on us, thanks 
be to Little Bonsa. Get on, you lazy nigger dog. 
Who pay you stand there and snivel? Get on or I 
blow out your stupid skull,’^ and he brought the 
muzzle of the full-cocked, double-barrelled gun into 
sharp contact with that part of the terrified porter^s 
anatomy. 

Such was the forest. Of their march through it 
for the first four days, there is nothing to tell. Its 
depths seemed to be devoid of life, although occa- 
sionally they heard the screaming of parrots in the 
treetops a couple of hundred feet above, or caught 
sight of the dim shapes of monkeys swinging them- 
selves from bough to bough. That was in the day- 
time, when, although they could not see it, they 
knew that the sun was shining somewhere. But at 
night they heard nothing, since beasts of prey do 
not come where there is no food. What puzzled 
Alan was that all through these impenetrable re- 
cesses there ran a distinct road which they followed. 
To the right and left rose a wall of creepers, but 
between them ran this road, an ancient road, for 
nothing grew on it, and it only turned aside to 
avoid the biggest of the trees which must have stood 
there from time immemorial, such a tree as that 
which he had seen fall, indeed it was one of those 
round which the road ran. 

He asked Jeeki who made the road. 

People who come out Noah’s Ark,” answered 
Jeeki, I think they run up here to get out of way 
of water, and sent them two elephants ahead to 
make path. Or perhaps dwarf people make it. Or 
perhaps those who go up to Asiki-land to do sacrifice 
like old Jews.” 

^^You mean you don’t know,” said Alan. 

No, of course don’t know. Who know about 


128 


THE YELLOW GOD 


forest roads made before beginning of world. You 
ask question, Major, I answer. More lively answer 
than to shake head and roll eyes like them silly fool 
porters. 

It was on the fourth night that the trouble began. 
As usual they had lit a huge fire made of the fallen 
boughs and rotting tree trunks that lay about in 
plenty. There was no reason why the fire should 
be so large, since they had little to cook and the air 
was hot, but they made it so for the same reason 
that Jeeki answered questions, for the sake of cheer- 
fulness. At least it gave light in the darkness, leap- 
ing up in red tongues of fiame twenty or thirty feet 
high, and its roar and crackle were welcome in the 
primeval silence. 

Alan lay upon the cork mattress in the open, for 
here there was no need to pitch the tent; if any rain 
fell above, the canopy of leaves absorbed it. He 
was amusing himself while he smoked his pipe with 
watching the refiection of the fire-light against a 
patch of darkness caused probably by some bush 
about twenty yards away, and by picturing in his 
own, mind the face of Barbara, that strong, pleasant 
English face, as it might appear on such a back- 
ground. Suddenly there, on the identical spot he 
did see a face, though one of a very different char- 
acter. It was round and small and hideous, re- 
sembling in its general outline that of a bloated 
child. At this distance he could not distinguish 
the features, except the lips, which were large and 
pendulous, and between them the fiash of white 
teeth. 

Look there,’’ he whispered to Jeeki in English, 
and J eeki looked, then Avithout saying a word, lifted 
the shotgun that lay at his side and fired straight 
at the bush. Instantly there arose a squeaking 


THE DWARF FOLKS 129 

noise, such as might he made by a wounded animal, 
and the four porters sprang up in alarm. 

Sit down,’’ said Jeeki to them in their own 
tongue, a leopard was stalking us and I fired to 
frighten it away. Don’t go near the place, as it may 
be wounded and angry, but drag up some boughs 
and make a fence round the fire, for fear of others.” 

The men who dreaded leopards, looking on these 
animals, indeed, with superstitious reverence, 
obeyed readily enough, and as there was plenty of 
wood lying within a few yards, soon constructed 
a homa fence that, rough as it was, would serve for 
protection. 

Jeeki,” said Alan presently as they laboured at 
the fence, that was not a leopard, it was a man.” 

No, no. Major, not man, little dwarf devil, him 
that have poisoned arrow. I shoot at once to make 
him sit up. Think he no come back to-night, too 
much afraid of shot fetish. But to-morrow, can’t 
say. Not tell those fellows anything,” and he 
nodded towards the porters, or perhaps they bolt.” 

I think you would have done better to leave the 
dwarf alone,” said Alan, and they might have left 
us alone. Now they will have a blood feud against 
us.” 

Not agree. Major, only chance for us put him 
in blue funk. If I not shoot, presently he shoot,” 
and he made a sound that resembled the whistling 
of an arrow, then added, Now you go sleep. I not 
tired, I watch, my eyes see in dark better than yours. 
Only two more days of this damn forest, then open 
land with tree here and there, where dwarf no come 
because he afraid of lion and cannibal man, who 
like eat him.” 

As there was nothing else to be done Alan took 
Jeeki’s advice and in time fell fast asleep, nor did 


130 


THE YELLOW GOD 


he wake again until the faint light which for the 
want of a better name they called dawn, was filter- 
ing down to them through the canopy of boughs. 

Been to look,’’ said Jeeki as he handed him his 
coffee. Hit that dwarf man, see his blood, but 
think others carry him away. J eeki very good shot, 
stone, spear, arrow, or gun, all same to him. Now 
get off as quick as we can before porters smell rat. 
You eat chop. Major, I pack.” 

Presently they started on their trudge through 
those endless trees, with Fear for a companion. 
Even the porters, who had been told nothing, 
seemed more afraid than usual, though whether this 
was because they what Jeeki called smell rat,” or 
owing to the progressive breakdown of their nervous 
systems, Alan did not know. About midday they 
stopped to eat because the men were too tired to 
walk further without rest. For an hour or more 
they had been looking for a comparatively open 
place, but as it chanced could find none, so were 
obliged to halt in dense forest. Just as they had 
finished their meal and were preparing to proceed, 
that which they had feared, happened, since from 
somewhere behind the tree boles came a volley of 
reed arrows. One struck a porter in the neck, one 
fixed itself in Alan’s helmet without touching him, 
and no less than three hit Jeeki on the back and 
stuck there, providentially enough in the substance 
of the cork mattress that he still carried on his 
shoulders, which the feeble shafts had not the 
strength to pierce. 

Everybody sprang up and with a curious fascina- 
tion instead of attempting to do anything, watched 
the porter who had been hit in the neck somewhere 
in the region of the jugular vein. The poor man 
rose to his feet with great deliberation, reminding 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


131 


Alan in some grotesque way of a speaker who has 
suddenly been called on to address a meeting and 
seeks to gain time for the gathering of his thoughts. 
Then he turned towards that vast audience of the 
trees, stretched out his hand with a declamatory 
gesture, said something in a composed voice, and 
fell upon his face stone dead ! The swift poison had 
reached his heart and done its work. 

His three companions looked at him for a moment 
and the next, with a yell of terror, rushed off into 
the forest, hurling down their loads as they ran. 
What became of them Alan never learned, for he 
saw them no more, and the dwarf people keep their 
secrets. At the time indeed he scarcely noticed 
their departure, for he was otherwise engaged. 

One of their hideous little assailants, made bold 
by success, ventured to run across an open space 
between two trees, showing himself for a moment. 
Alan had a gun in his hand, and mad with rage at 
what had happened, he raised it and swung on him 
as he would upon a rabbit. He was a quick and 
practised shot and his skill did not fail him now, 
for just as the dwarf was vanishing behind a tree, 
the bullet caught him and next instant he was seen 
rolling over and over upon its further side. 

That very nice,’’ said Jeeki reflectively, very 
nice indeed, but I think we best move out of this.” 

I Aren’t you hurt? ” gasped Alan. Your back 

1 is full of arrows.” 

Don’t feel nothing. Major,” he answered, best 
I cork mattress, 25/3 at Stores, very good for poi- 

! soned arrow, but leave him behind now, because 

I perhaps points work through as I run, one scratch 
do trick,” and as he spoke Jeeki untied a string or 
several strings, letting the little mattress fall to the 
I ground. 

i 

1 


132 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Great pity leave all those goods,” said Jeeki, 
surveying the loads that the porters had cast away, 

but what says Book? Life more than raiment. 
Also take no thought for morrow. Dwarf people 
do that for us. Come, Major, make tracks,” and 
dashing at a bag of cartridges which he cast about 
his neck, a trifling addition to his other impedi- 
menta, and a small case of potted meats that he 
hitched under his arm, he poked his master in the 
back with the muzzle of his full-cocked gun as a 
signal that it was time to start. 

Keep that cursed thing off me,” said Alan furi- 
ously. How often have I told you never to carry 
a gun at full cock? ” 

About one thousand times. Major,” answered 
Jeeki imperturbably, but on such occasion forget 
discreetness. My ma just same, it run in family, 
but story too long tell you now. Cut, Major, cut 
like hell. Them dwarfs be back soon, but,” he 
puffed, I think, I think Little Bonsa come square 
with them one day.” 

So Alan ^^cut” and the huge Jeeki blundered 
along after him, the paraphernalia with which he 
was hung about rattling like the hoofs of a galloping 
giraffe. Nor for all his load did he ever turn a 
hair. Whether it were fear within or a desire to 
save his master, or a belief in the virtues of Little 
Bonsa, or that his foot was, as it were, once more 
upon his native heath, the fact remained that not- 
withstanding the fifty years, almost, that had whit- 
ened his wool, Jeeki was absolutely inexhaustible. 
At least at the end of that fearful chase, which 
lasted all the day, and through the night also, for 
they dared not camp, he appeared to be nearly as 
fresh as when he started from Old Calabar, nor did 
his spirits fail him for one moment. 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


133 


When the light came on the following morning, 
however, they perceived by many signs and tokens 
that the dwarf people were all about them. Some 
arrows were shot even, but these fell short. 

Pooh ! ’’ said Jeeki, all right now, they much 
afraid. Still, no time for colfee, we best get on.’^ 

So they got on as they could, till towards midday 
the forest began to thin out. Now as the light grew 
stronger they could see the dwarfs, of whom there 
appeared to be several hundred, keeping a parallel 
course to their own on either side of them at what 
they thought to be a safe distance. 

Try one shot, I think,’’ said Jeeki, kneeling 
down and letting fly at a clump of the little men, 
which scattered like a covey of partridges, leaving 
one of its number kicking on the ground. “ Ah ! my 
boy,” shouted Jeeki in derision, how you like 
bullet in tummy? You not know Paradox guaran- 
teed flat trajectory 250 yard. You remember that 
next time, sonny.” Then off they went again up a 
long rise. 

River other side of that rise,” said Jeeki. 

Think those tree-monkeys no follow us there.” 
But the monkeys ” appeared to be angry and 
determined. They would not come any more within 
the range of the Paradox, but they still marched on 
either side of the two fugitives, knowing well that 
at last their strength must fail and they would be 
able to creep up and murder them. So the chase 
went on till Alan began to wonder whether it would 
not be better to face the end at once. 

No, no, if say die, can’t change mind to-morrow 
morning,” gasped Jeeki in a hoarse voice. “ Here 
top rise, much nearer than I thought. Oh, my 
aunt! who those?” and he pointed to several hun- 
dreds of big men armed with spears who were 


134 


THE YELLOW GOD 


marching up the further side of the hill from the 
river that ran below. 

At the same moment these savages, who were not 
more than two hundred yards away, caught sight 
of them and of their pursuers, who just then ap- 
peared on the ridge to right and left. The dwarfs, 
on perceiving these strangers, uttered a shrill yell 
of terror, and wheeled about to fly to their fast- 
nesses in the forest, which evidently they regretted 
ever having left. It was too late. With an answer- 
ing shout the spearsmen, who were extended in a 
long line, apparently hunting for game, charged 
after them at full speed. They were fresh and their 
legs were long. Therefore very soon they overtook 
the dwarfs and even got in front of them, heading 
them off from the forest. The end may be guessed, 
— save a few whom they reserved alive, they killed 
them mercilessly, and almost without loss to them- 
selves, since the little forest folk were too terrifled 
and exhausted to shoot at them with their poisoned 
arrows, and they had no other weapons. 

In fact, as Alan discovered afterwards, for gen- 
erations there had been war between them, since all 
the other tribes hate the dwarfs, whom they look 
upon as dangerous human monkeys, and never 
before had the big men found such a chance of 
squaring their account. 

When Jeeki saw this fearful-looking company, 
for the flrst time his spirits seemed to fail him. 

Ogula ! ” he exclaimed with a groan and sat 
himself upon a flat rock, pulling Alan down beside 
him. Ogula ! Know them by hair and spears,” 
he repeated. Up gum tree now, say good-night.” 

Why? Who are they? ” gasped Alan. 

Great cannibal. Major, eat man, eat us to-night, 
or perhaps to-morrow morning when we nice and 


THE DWARF FOLKS 135 

coll. Say prayers, Major, say ’em quick, no time 
waste,” 

: I t^ink I will shoot an Ogula or two first,” said 
Alan grimly, as he stood up and lifted his gun. 

No,, not shoot, no good. Pretend not be afraid, 
best chance. Let Jeeki think, let Jeeki think,” and 
he '.slapped his forehead with his great hand. 

Apparently the action brought inspiration, for 
next instant he grabbed his master by the arm and 
dragged him back behind the shelter of a great 
bowlder which they had just passed. Then with 
really marvellous swiftness he cut the straps of the 
tin box that Alan wore upon his back, and since 
there was no time to find the key and unlock it, 
Seized the little padlock with which it was fastened 
between his finger and thumb, and putting out his 
great strength, with a single wrench twisted it off. 

What are you ” began Alan. 

Hold tongue,” he answered savagely, make 
you god, I priest. Ogula know Little Bonsa. Quick, 
quick ! ” 

In a minute it was done, the golden mask was 
clapped on to Alan’s head, and the leather thongs 
were fastened. Moreover, Jeeki himself was ar- 
rayed in the solar-tope to which all this while he 
had clung, allowing streams of green mosquito net- 
ting to hang down over his white robe. 

Come out now. Major,” he said, “ and play god. 
You whistle, I do palaver.” 

Then hand in hand they walked from behind the 
rock. By this time the particular company of the 
cannibals that was opposite to them, which hap- 
pened to include their chief, had climbed the steep 
slope of the hill and arrived within a distance of 
twenty yards. Having seen the two men and 
guessed that they had taken refuge behind the rock, 


136 


THE YELLOW GOD 


their spears were lifted to kill them, since when he 
beholds anything strange, the first impulse of a 
savage is to bring it to its death. They looked, 
they saw. Of a sudden down went the raised spears. 

Some of those who held them fell upon their 
faces, while others turned to fiy, appalled by the 
vision of this strangely clad man with the head of 
gold. Only their chief, a great yellow- toothed fel- 
low who wore a necklace of baboon claws, remained 
erect, staring at them with open mouth. 

Alan blew the whistle that was set between the 
lips of the mask, and they shivered. Then Jeeki 
spoke to them in some tongue which they under- 
stood, saying : 

Do you, O Ogula, dare to offer violence to Little 
Bonsa and her priests? Say now, why should we 
not strike you dead with the magic of the god which 
she has borrowed from the white man?’’ and he 
tapped the gun he held. 

“ This is witchcraft,” answered the chief. We 
saw two men running, hunted by the dwarfs, not 
three minutes ago, and now we see — what we see,” 
and he put his hand before his eyes, then after a 
pause went on — “ As for Little Bonsa, she left this 
country in my father’s day. He gave her passage 
upon the head of a white man and the Asiki wiz- 
ards have mourned her ever since, or so I hear.” 

Fool,” answered Jeeki, as she went, so she re- 
turns, on the head of a white man. Yonder I see 
an elder with gre}" hair who doubtless knew of 
Little Bonsa in his youth. Let him come up and look 
and say whether or no this is the god.” 

Yes, yes,” exclaimed the chief, “ go up, old man, 
go up,” and he jabbed at him with ids spear until, 
unwillingly enough, he went. 

The elder arrived, making obeisance, and when 


THE DWARF FOLKS 137 

lie was near, Alan blew the whistle in his face, 
whereon he fell to his knees. 

It is Little Bonsa,’^ he said in a trembling voice, 
Little Bonsa without a doubt. I should know, as 
my father and my elder brother were sacrificed to 
her, and I only escaped because she rejected me. 
Down on your face. Chief, and do honour to the 
Yellow God before she slay you.’’ 

Instantly every man within hearing prostrated 
himself and lay still. Then Jeeki strode up and 
down among them shouting out : 

Little Bonsa has come back and brought to you, 
Man-eaters, a fat offering, an offering of the dwarf- 
people w^hom you hate, of the treacherous dwarf- 
people who when you walk the ancient forest path, 
murder you with their poisoned arrows. Praise 
Little Bonsa who delivers you from your foes, and 
hearken to her bidding. Send on messengers to the 
Asiki saying that Little Bonsa comes home again 
from across the Black Water bringing the White 
Preacher, whom she led aw^ay in the day of their 
fathers. Say to them that the Asiki must send out 
a company that Little Bonsa and the Magician with 
w horn she ran aw ay, may be escorted back to her 
house with the state which has been hers from the 
beginning of time. Say to them also that they must 
prepare a great offering of pure gold out of their 
store, as much gold as fifty strong men can carry, 
not one handful less, to be given to the White Ma- 
gician who brings back the Small Swimming Head, 
for if they withhold such an offering, he and Little 
Bonsa will vanish never to be seen again, and curses 
and desolation will fall upon their land. Rise and 
obey. Chief of the Ogula.” 

Then the man scrambled to his feet and answered : 

It shall be done, O Priest of the Yellow^ God. 


138 


THE YELLOW GOD 


To-morrow at the dawn swift messengers will start 
for the Gold House of the Asiki. To-night they can- 
not leave, as we are all very hungry and must 
eat/’ 

What must you eat? ” asked Jeeki suspiciously. 

O Priest,” answered the chief with a depreca- 
tory gesture, when first we saw you we hoped that 
it would be the white man and yourself, for we have 
never tasted white man. But now we fear that you 
will not consent to this, and as you are holy and the 
guardian of the god, we cannot eat you without your 
own consent. Therefore fat dwarf must be our food, 
of which, however, there will be plenty for you as 
well as us.” 

You dog! ” exclaimed Jeeki in a voice of furious 
indignation. Do you think that white men and 
their high-born companions, such as myself, were 
made to fill your vile stomachs? I tell you that a 
meal of the Deadly Bean would agree better with 
you, for if 3^ou dare so much as to look on us, or 
on any of the white race with hunger, agony shall 
seize your vitals and ,you and all your tribe shall 
die as though by poison. Moreover, we do not 
touch the fiesh of men, nor will Ave see it eaten. It 
is our Orunda/' it is consecrate to us, it must not 
pass our lips, nor may our eyes behold it. There- 
fore we will camp apart from you further up the 
stream and find our oAvn food. But to-morrow at 
the daAvn the messengers must leave as Ave have 
commanded. Also you shall provide strong men 
and large canoe to bear Little Bonsa forAvard to- 
AA^ards her OAvn home until she finds her people com- 
ing out to greet her.” 

It shall be done,” ansAvered the chief humbly. 
Everything shall be done according to the will 


THE DWARF FOLKS 


139 


of Little Bonsa spoken by her priest, that she may 
leave a blessing and not a curse upon the heads of 
the tribe of the Ogula. Say where you wish to camp 
and men shall run to build a house of reeds for the 
god to dwell in.’’ 


CHAPTER IX 


THE DAWN 

Jeeki looked up and down the river and saw that 
in the centre of it about half a mile away, there 
was an island on which grew some trees. 

Little Bonsa will camp yonder,’’ he said. Go, 
make her house ready, light fire and bring canoe 
to paddle us across. Now leave us, all of you, for 
if you look too long upon the face of the Yellow God 
she will ask a sacrifice, and it is not lawful that 
you should see where she hides herself away.” 

At this saying the cannibals departed like one 
man, and at top speed, some to this canoes and 
others to warn their fellows who were engaged in 
the congenial work of hunting and killing the 
dwarfs, not to dare to approach the white man and 
his companion. A third party ran to the bank of 
the river that was opposite to the island to make 
ready as they had been bidden, so that presently 
Alan and Jeeki were left quite alone. 

Ah ! ” said Jeeki with a gasp of satisfaction, 
that all right, everything arranged quite comfort- 
able. Thought Little Bonsa come out top somehow 
and score off dirty dwarf monkeys. They never get 
home to tea any way, stay and dine with Ogula.’' 

Stop chattering, Jeeki, and untie this infernal 
mask, I am almost choked,” broke in Alan in a hol- 
low voice. 

Not say ^ infernal mask,’ Major, say ‘ face of 
angel.’ Little Bonsa woman and like it better, also 

140 


THE DAWN 


141 


true, if on this occasion only, for she save our 
skins,’’ said Jeeki as he unknotted the thongs and 
reverently replaced the fetish in its tin box. My ! ” 
he added, contemplating his master’s perspiring 
countenance, you blush like garden carrot ; well, 
gold hot wear in afternoon sun beneath Tropic of 
Cancer. Now we walk on quietly and I tell you all 
I arranged for night’s lodging and future progress 
of joint expedition.” 

So gathering together what remained of their few 
possessions, they started leisurely down the slope 
towards the island, and as they went Jeeki ex- 
plained all that had happened, since Ogula was not 
one of the African languages with which Alan was 
acquainted and he had only been able to understand 
a word here and there. 

^^Look,” said Jeeki when he had finished, and 
turning, he pointed to the cannibals who were driv* 
ing the few survivors of the dwarfs before them to 
the spot where their canoes were beached. Those 
dwarfs done for; capital business, forest road quite 
safe to travel home by ; Ogula best friends in world ; 
very remarkable escape from delicate situation.” 

Very remarkable indeed,” said Alan ; I shall 
soon begin to believe in the luck of Little Bonsa.” 

Yes, Major, you see she anxious to get home and 
make path clear. But,” he added gloomily, how 
she behave when she reach there, can’t say.” 

Nor can I, Jeeki, but meanwhile I hope she will 
provide us with some dinner, for I am faint for 
want of food and all the tinned meat is lost.” 

“ Food,” repeated Jeeki. Yes, necessity for 
human stomach, which unhappily built that way, 
so Ogula find out, and so dwarfs find out presently.” 
Then he looked about him and in a kind of aimless 
manner lifted his gun and fired. There we are,” 


142 


THE YELLOW GOD 


he said, Little Bonsa understand bodily needs,’’ 
and he pointed to a fat buck of the sort that in 
South Africa is call Duiker, which his keen eyes 
had discovered in its form against a stone where 
it now^ lay shot through the head and dying. No 
further trouble on score of grub for next three 
day,” he added. Come on to camp. Major. I send 
one savage skin and bring that buck.” 

So on they went to the river bank, Alan so tired 
now that the excitement wms over, that he was not 
sorry to lean upon Jeeki’s arm. Beaching the stream 
they drank deep of its w^ater, and finding that it 
w^as shallow' at this spot, waded through it to the 
island without waiting for a canoe to ferry them 
over. Here they found a party of the cannibals al- 
ready at w'ork clearing reeds with their large, 
curved knives, in order to make a site for the hut. 
Another party under the command of their chief 
himself had gone to the top end of the island, a 
hundred yards or so away, to cut the stems of a wil- 
low-like shrub to serve as uprights. These people 
stared at Alan, which w as not strange, as they had 
never before seen the face of a w'hite man and were 
wondering, doubtless, wiiat had become of the an- 
cient and terrible fetish that he had worn. Without 
entering into explanations Jeeki in a great voice 
ordered two of them to fetch the buck, w^hich the 
w hite man, w'hom he described as husband of the 
goddess,” and had slain by thunder.” When those 
had departed upon their errand, leaving Jeeki to 
superintend the building operations, Alan sat down 
upon a fallen tree, watching one of the savages 
making fire with a pointed stick and some tinder. 

Just then from the head of the island w^here the 
willows were being cut, rose the sound of loud 
roarings and of men crying out in affright. Seiz- 


THE DAWN 


143 


ing his gun Alan ran towards the spot whence the 
noise came. Forcing his way through a brake of 
reeds, he saw a curious sight. The Ogula in cutting 
the willows which grew about some tumbled rocks, 
had disturbed a lioness that had her lair there, and 
being fearless savages, had tried to kill her with 
their spears. The brute, rendered desperate by 
wounds, and the impossibility of escape, for here the 
surrounding water was deep, had charged them 
boldly, and as it chanced, felled to the ground their 
chief, that yellow-toothed man to whom Jeeki gave 
his orders. Now she was standing over him looking 
round her royally, her great paw upon his breast, 
which it seemed almost to cover, while the Ogula 
ran round and round shouting, for they feared that 
if they tried to attack her, she would kill the chief. 
This indeed she seemed about to do, for just as 
Alan arrived she dropped her head as though to 
tear out the man’s throat. Instantly he fired. It 
was a snap shot, but as it chanced a good one, for 
the bullet struck the lioness in the back of the 
neck just forward of and between the shoulders, 
severing the spine, so that without a sound or any 
further movement she sank stone dead upon the 
prostrate cannibal. For a while his followers stood 
astonished. They might have heard of guns from 
the coast people, but living as they did in the in- 
terior where white folk did not dare to travel, they 
had never seen their terrible effects. 

Magic ! ” they cried. Magic ! ” 

Of course,” exclaimed Jeeki, who by now had 
arrived upon the scene. What else did you expect 
from the husband of Little Bonsa? Magic, the 
greatest of magic. Go, roll that beast away before 
your chief is crushed to death.” 

They obeyed, and the man sat up, a fearful specta- 


144 


THE YELLOW GOD 


cle, for he was smothered with the blood of the 
lion and somewhat cut by her claws, though other- 
wise unhurt. Then feeling that the life was still 
whole in him, he crept on his hands and knees to 
where Alan stood, and kissed his feet. 

^‘Aha ! ” said Jeeki, Little Bonsa score again. 
Cannibal tribe our slave henceforth for evermore. 
Yes, till kingdom come. Come on. Major, and cook 
supper in perfect peace. 

The supper was cooked and eaten with gratitude, 
for seldom had two men needed a square meal more, 
and never did venison taste better. By the time 
that it was finished darkness had fallen, and before 
they turned in to sleep in the neat reed hut that 
the Ogula had built, Alan and Jeeki walked up 
the island to see if the lioness had been skinned, as 
they directed. This they found was done; even the 
carcase itself had been removed to serve as meat for 
these foul-feeding people. They climbed on to the 
pile of rocks in which the beast had made her lair, 
and looked down the river to where, two hundred 
yards away, the Ogula were encamped. From this 
camp there rose a sound of revelry, and by the light 
of the great fires that burned there, they perceived 
that the hungry savages were busy feasting, for 
some of them sat in circles, whilst others, their 
naked forms looking at that distance like those of 
imps in the infernal regions, flitted to and fro 
against the glowing background of the fires, bear- 
ing strange-looking joints on prongs of wood. 

I suppose they are eating the lioness,” said 
Alan doubtfully. 

No, no. Major, not lioness ; eat dwarf by dozen — 
just like oysters at seaside. But for Little Bonsa 
we, sit on those forks now and look uncommon 
small.” 


THE DAWN 


145 


Beasts ! said Alan in disgust ; they make me 
feel uncommon sick. Let us go to bed. I suppose 
they wonT murder us in our sleep, will they? ” 
Not they, Major, too much afraid. Also we their 
blood-brothers now, because we bring them good 
dinner and save chief from lion^s fury. No blame 
them too much. Major, good fellows really with 
gentle heart, but grub like that from generation to 
generation. Every mother^s son of them have many 
men inside, that why they so big and strong. Ogula 
people cover great multitude like Charity in Book. 
No doubt sent by Providence to keep down extra 
population. Not right to think too hard of poor 
fellows who, as I say, very kind and gentle at heart 
and most loving in family relation, except to old 
women whom they eat also, so that they no get 
bored with too long life.’^ 

Weary and disgusted by this abominable sight 
though he was, Alan burst out laughing at his re- 
tainer’s apology for the sweet-natured Ogula, who 
struck him as the most repulsive blackguards that 
he had ever met or heard of in all his experience of 
African savages. Then wishing to see and hear no 
more of them that night, he retreated rapidly to the 
hut and was soon fast asleep with his head pillowed 
on the box that hid the charms of Little Bonsa. 
When he awoke it was broad daylight. Kising he 
went down to the river to wash, and never had a 
bath been more welcome, for during all their jour- 
ney through the forest no such thing was obtainable. 
On his return he found his garments well brushed 
with dry reeds and set upon a rock in the hot sun 
to air, while Jeeki in a cheerful mood, was engaged 
cooking the breakfast in the frying-pan, to which 
he had clung through all the vicissitudes of their 
flight. 


146 


THE YELLOW GOD 


No coffee, Major,’’ he said regretfully^, that 
stop in forest. But never mind, hot water better 
for nerve. Ogula messengers gone in little canoe 
to Asiki at break of day. Travel slow till they 
work off dwarf, but afterwards go quick. I send 
lion skin with them as present from you to great 
high-priestess Asiki, also claws for necklace. No 
lions there and she think much of that. Also it 
make her love mighty man who can kill fierce lion 
like Samson in Book. Love of head woman very 
valuable ally among beastly savage peoples.” 

I am sure I hope it won’t, ” said Alan Avith 
earnestness, but no doubt it is as well to keep on 
the soft side of the good lady if we can. What time 
do we start? ” 

In one hour. Major. I been to camp already, 
chosen best canoe and finest men for rowers. Chief 
— he called Fanny — so grateful that he come with 
them himself.” 

Indeed. That is A^ery kind of him, but I say, 
eleeki, what are these felloAvs going to live on? I 
can’t stand AA^hat you call their ^ favourite chop.’ ” 

No, no. Major, that all right. I tell them that 
AAdien they travel with Little Bonsa, they must keep 
Lent like pious Roman Catholic family that live 
near Yarleys. They catch plenty fish in river, and 
perhaps Ave shoot game, or rich ’potamus, which 
they like ’cause he fat.” 

Evidently the Ogula chief, Fahni by name, not 
Fanny, as Jeeki called him, Avas a man of his word, 
for before the hour was up he appeared at the 
island in command of a large canoe manned by 
tweh^e splendid-looking saAmges. Springing to land, 
he prostrated himself before Alan, kissing his feet 
as he had done on the previous night, and making 
a long speech. 


THE DAWN 


147 


That very good spirit,” exclaimed Jeeki. Like 
to see heathen in his darkness lick white gentle- 
man’s boot. He say you his lord and great magi- 
cian who save his life, and know all Little Bonsa’s 
secrets, which many and unrepeatable. He say he 
die for you twice a day if need be, and go on dying 
to-morrow and all next year. He say he take you 
safe till you meet Asiki and for your sake, though 
he hungry, eat no man for one whole month, or 
perhaps longer. Now we start at once.” 

So they started up the river that was called Kat- 
sena, Alan and J eeki seated in a lordly fashion near 
the stern of the canoe beneath an awning made out 
of some sticks and a grass mat. In truth after their 
severe toil and adventures in the forest, this method 
of journeying proved quite luxurious. Except for 
a rapid here and there over or round which the 
canoe must be dragged, the river was broad and the 
scenery on its banks park-like and beautiful. 
Moreover the country, perhaps owing to the appe- 
tites of the Ogula, appeared to be practically unin- 
habited except by vast herds of every sort of game. 

All day they sat in the canoe which the stalwart 
rowers propelled, in silence for the most part, since 
they were terribly afraid of the white man, and still 
more so of the renowned fetish which they knew he 
carried with him. Then when evening came they 
moored their craft to the bank and camped till 
the following morning. Nor did they lack food, 
since game being so plentiful, it was only necessary 
for Alan to walk a few hundred yards and shoot 
a fat eland, or hartebeest, or other buck which in 
its ignorance would allow him to approach quite 
close. Elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo were 
also common, while great herds of giraffe might be 
seen wandering between the scattered trees, but as 


148 


THE YELLOW GOD 


they were not upon a hunting trip and their ammu- 
nition was very limited, with these they did not 
interfere. 

Having their daily fill of meat which their souls 
loved, the Ogula oarsmen remained in an excellent 
mood, indeed the chief, Fahni, informed Alan that 
if only they had such magic tubes wherewith to 
slaughter game, he and his tribe would gladly give 
up cannibalism — except on feast days. He added 
sadly that soon they would be obliged to do so, or 
die, since in those parts there were now few people 
left to eat, and they hated vegetables. Moreover, 
they kept no cattle, it was not the custom of that 
tribe, except a very few for milk. Alan advised 
them to increase their herds, take to the growing 
of corn and leave men alone, since, as he pointed out 
to them dog should not eat dog or the human be- 
ing his own kind. 

The chief answered that there was a great deal 
in what he said, which on his return he would lay 
before his head men. Indeed Alan, to his astonish- 
ment, discovered that Jeeki had been quite right 
when he alleged that these men, so terrible in their 
mode of life, were yet kind and gentle at heart.’’ 
They preyed upon mankind because for centuries 
it had been their custom so to -do, but if any- 
one had been there to show them a better way, he 
grew sure that they would follow it gladly. At 
least they were brave and loyal and even after their 
first fear of the white man had worn off, fulfilled 
their promises without a murmur. Once, indeed, 
when he chanced to have gone for a walk unarmed 
and to be charged by a bull elephant, these Ogula 
ran at the brute with their spears and drove it away, 
a rescue in which one of them lost his life, for the 

rogue ” caught and killed him. 


THE DAWN 149 

So the days went on while they paddled leisurely 
ap the river, Alan employing the time by taking 
lessons in the Asiki tongue from Jeeki, a language 
which he had been studying ever since he left Eng- 
land. The task was not easy, as he had no books 
and Jeeki himself after some thirty years of absence, 
was doubtful as to many of its details. Still being 
a linguist by nature and education and finding in 
the tongue similarities to other African dialects 
which he knew, he was now able to speak it a little, 
if in a halting fashion. 

On the fifth day of their ascent of the river, they 
came to a tributary that fiowed into it from the 
north, up which the Ogula said they must proceed 
to reach Asiki-land. This stream was narrow and 
sluggish, widening out here and there into great 
swamps through which it was not easy to find a 
channel. Also it was so unhealthy that even sev- 
eral of the Ogula contracted fever, of which Alan 
cured them by heavy doses of quinine, for fortu- 
nately his travelling medicine chest remained to 
him. These cures were affected after their chief had 
suggested that they should be thrown overboard, or 
left to die in the swamp as useless, with the result 
that white man’s magical powers were thenceforth 
established beyond doubt or cavil. Indeed the 
poor Ogula now looked on him as a god superior 
even to Little Bonsa, whose familiar he was sup- 
posed to be. 

The journey through that swamp was very trying, 
since in this wet seavson often they could find no 
place on which to sleep at night, but must stay in 
the canoe tormented by mosquitoes, and in constant 
danger of being upset by the hippopotami that lived 
there. Moreover, as no game was now available, 
they were obliged to live on these beasts, fish when 


150 


THE YELLOW GOD 


they could catch them, and wildfowl, which some- 
times they were unable to cook for lack of fuel. 
This did not trouble the Ogula, who ate them raw, 
as did Jeeki when he was hungry. But Alan was 
obliged to starve until they could make a fire. This 
it was only possible to do when they found drift 
or other wood, since at that season the rank vege- 
tation was in full growth. Also the fearful thun- 
derstorms which broke continually and in a few 
minutes half filled their canoe with water, made 
the reeds and the soil on which they grew, sodden 
with wet. As Jeeki said: 

This time of year only fit for duck and croco- 
dile. Human should remember uncontrollable 
forces of Nature and wait till winter come in due 
course, when quagmire bear sole of his foot.-’ 

This remark he made to Alan during the progress 
of a particularly fearful tempest. The lightning 
blazed in the black sky and seemed to strike all 
about them like stabbing swords of fire, the thunder 
crashed and bellowed as it might be supposed to 
do on that day when the great earth, worn out at 
last, shall reel and stagger to its doom. The rain 
fell in a straight and solid sheet; the tall reeds 
waved confusedly like millions of dim arms and 
while they waved, uttered a vast and groaning 
Qoise; the scared wildfowl in their terror, with 
screams and the sough of winds, rushed past them 
in flocks a thousand strong, now seen and now lost 
in the vapours. To keep their canoe afloat the poor, 
naked Ogula oarsmen, shivering with cold and fear, 
baled furiously with hands, or bowls of hollowed 
wood, and called back to Alan to save them as 
though he were master of the elements. Even 
Jeeki was depressed and appeared to be offering up 
petitions, though whether these were directed to 


THE DAWN 151 

Little Bonsa or elsewhere it was impossible to 
know. 

As for Alan, the heart was out of him. It is true 
that so far he had escaped fever or other sickness, 
which in itself was wonderful, hut he was chilled 
through and through and practically had eaten 
nothing for two days, and very little for a week, 
since his stomach turned from half-cooked hippo- 
potamus fat and wildfowl. Moreover, they had lost 
the channel and seemed to be wandering aimlessly 
through a wilderness of reeds broken here and 
there by lines of deeper water. 

According to the Ogulaithey should have reached 
the confines of the great lake several days before 
and landed on the healthy rising ground that was 
part of the Asiki territory. But this had not hap- 
pened, and now he doubted whether it ever would 
happen. It was more likely that they would come 
to their deaths, there in the marsh especially, as the 
few ball and shot cartridges which they had saved 
in their fiight were now exhausted. Not one was 
left; nothing was left except their revolvers with 
a few charges, which of course were quite useless 
for the killing of game. Therefore they were in a 
fair way to die of hunger, for here if fish existed, 
they refused to be caught and nought remained for 
them to fill themselves with except water slugs, 
and snails which the boatmen were already gather- 
ing and crunching up in their great teeth. Or, 
perhaps the Ogula, forgetting friendship under the 
pressure of necessity, would murder them as they 
slept and — revert to their usual diet. 

Jeeki was right, he should have remembered the 
uncontrollable forces of Nature.” Only a mad- 
man would have undertaken such an expedition in 
the rains. No wonder that the Asiki remained a 


152 


THE YELLOW GOD 


secret and hidden people when their frontier was 
protected by such a marsh as this upon the one side 
and, as he understood, by impassable mountains 
upon the other. 

There came a lull in the tempest and the boatmen 
began to get the better of the water, which now 
was up to their knees. Alan asked Jeeki if he 
thought it was over, but that worthy shook his 
white head mournfully, causing the spray to fly as 
from a twirling mop, and replied: 

CanT say, cats and dogs not tumble so many 
for present, only pups and kittens left, so to speak, 
but think there plenty more up there,’’ and he 
nodded at a potentous fire-laced cloud which 
seemed to be spreading over them, its black edges 
visible even through the gloom. 

Bad business, I am afraid, Jeeki. Shouldn’t 
have brought you here, or those poor beggars 
either,” and he looked at the scared, frozen Ogula. 

I begin to wonder ” 

Never wonder. Major,” broke in Jeeki in alarm. 

If wonder, not live, if wonder, not be born, too 
much wonder about everywhere. Can’t understand 
nothing, so give it up. Say, ‘ Kight-0 and devil take 
the hindermost.’ Very good motto for biped in tight 
place. Better drown here than in City bucket shop. 
But no drown. Should be dead long ago, but Little 
Bonsa play the game, she not want to sink in stink- 
ing swamp when so near her happy home. Come 
out all right somehow, as from dwarf. Every cloud 
have silver lining. Major, even that black chap up 
there. Oh ! my golly ! ” 

This last exclamation was rung from Jeeki’s 
lips by a sudden development of “ forces of Nature ” 
which astonished even him. Instead of a silver 
lining the black chap ” exhibited one of gold. In 


THE DAWN 


153 

an instant it seemed to turn to acres of flame; it 
was as thou0i the heaven had taken fire. A flash 
or a thunderbolt struck the water within ten yards 
of their canoe, causing the boatmen to throw them- 
selves upon their faces through shock or terror. 
Then came the hurricane, which fortunately was 
so strong that it permitted no more rain to fall. 
The tall reeds were beaten flat beneath its breath; 
the canoe was seized in its grip and whirled round 
and round, then driven forward like an arrow. Only 
the weight of the men and the water in it prevented 
it from oversetting. Dense darkness fell upon them 
and although they could see no star, they knew that 
it must be night. On they rushed, driven by that 
shrieking gale, and all about and around them this 
wall of darkness. No one spoke, for hope was aban- 
doned, and if they had, their voices could not have 
been heard. The last thing that Alan remembered 
was feeling Jeeki dragging a grass mat over him to 
protect him a little if he could. Then his senses 
wavered, as does a dying lamp. He thought that 
he was back in what Jeeki had rudely called City 
bucket shop,” bargaining across the telephone wire, 
up which came all the sounds of the infernal re- 
gions, with a financial paper for an article on a 
Little Bonsa Syndicate that he proposed to float. 
He thought he was in the Court woods with Bar- 
bara, only the birds in the trees sang so unnatu- 
rally loud that he could not hear her voice, and she 
wore Little Bonsa on her head as a bonnet. Then 
she departed in flame, leaving him and Death alone 
in the world. 

Alan awoke. Above the sun shone hotly, warming 
him back to life, but in front was a thick wall of 
mist and rising beyond it in the distance he saw the 
rugged swelling forms of mountains. Doubtless 


154 


THE YELLOW GOD 


these had been visible for days, but the tall reeds 
through which they travelled had hid the sight of 
them. He looked behind him and there in a heap 
lay the Ogula around their chief, insensible or sleep- 
ing. He counted them and found that two were 
gone, lost in the tempest, how or where no man 
ever learned. He looked forward and saw a pecu- 
liar sight, for in the prow of the drifting canoe 
stood Jeeki clad in the remains of his white robe 
and wearing on his head the battered helmet and 
about his shoulders the torn fragments of green 
mosquito net. While Alan was wondering vaguely 
why he had adopted this ceremonial garb, from out 
of the mist there came a sound of singing, of wild 
and solemn singing. Jeeki seemed to listen to it; 
then he lifted up his great musical voice and sang 
as though in answer. What he sang Alan could not 
understand, but he recognized that the language 
which he used was that of the Asiki people. 

A pause and a confused murmuring, and now 
again the wild song rose and again Jeeki answered. 

What the deuce are you doing? Where are 
we? asked Alan faintly. 

Jeeki turned and beamed upon him; although his 
teeth were chattering and his face Avas hollow, still 
he beamed. 

You awake, Major? he said. Thought good 
old sun do trick. Feel your heart just now and find 
it beat. Pulse, too, strong, though temperature not 
normal. Well, good news this morning. Little 
Bonsa come out top as usual. Asiki priests on 
bank there. Can’t see them, but know their song 
and answer. Same old game as thirty years ago. 
Asiki never change, which good business when you 
been away long while.” 

Hang the Asiki,” said Alan feebly, I think 


THE DAWN 155 

all these poor beggars are dead/’ and he pointed to 
the rowers. 

Look like it, Major, but what that matter now 
since you and I alive? Plenty more where they 
come from. Not dead though, think only sleep, no 
like cold like dormouse. But never mind cannibal 
pig. They serve our turn, if they live, live ; if they 
die, die and God have mercy on souls, if cannibal 
have soul. Ah! here we are,” and from beneath 
six inches of water he dragged up the tin box con- 
taining Little Bonsa, from Avhich he extracted the 
fetish, wet but uninjured. 

‘^Put her on now, Major. Put her on at once 
and come sit in prow of canoe. Must reach Asiki- 
land in proper style. Priests think it your reverend 
uncle come back again, just as he leave. Make 
very good impression.” 

I can’t,” said Alan feeblv. I am played out, 
Jeeki.” 

Oh! buck up. Major, buck up! ” he replied im- 
ploringly. One kick more and you win race, 
mustn’t spoil ship for ha’porth of tar. You jpst 
wear fetish, whistle once on land, and then go to 
sleep for whole week if you like. I do rest, say it 
all magic, and so forth — that you been dead and 
just come out of grave, or anything you like. No 
matter if you turn up as announced on bill and God 
bless hurricane that blow us here when we expect 
die. Come, Major, quick, quick! mist melt and 
soon they see you.” Then without waiting for an 
answer Jeeki clapped the wet mask on his master’s 
head, tied the thongs and led, or rather carried, 
Alan to the prow of the canoe, where he sat him 
down on a little cross bench, stood behind support- 
ing him and again began to sing in a great triumph- 
ant voice. 


156 


THE YELLOW GOD 


The mist cleared away, rolling up like a curtain 
and revealing on the shore a number of men and 
women clad in white robes, who were martialled in 
ranks there chanting and staring out at the dim 
waters of the lagoon. There upon the waters, driven 
forward by the gentle breeze, floated a canoe and 
lo! in the prow of that canoe sat a white man and 
on his head the god which they had lost a whole 
generation gone. On the head of a white man it 
had departed; on the head of a white man it re- 
turned. They saw and fell upon their knees. 

Blow, Major, blow!’’ whispered Jeeki, and 
Alan blew a feeble note through the whistle in the 
mouth of the mask. It was enough, they knew it. 
They sprang into the water and dragged the canoe 
to land. They set Alan on the shore and worshipped 
him. They haled up a lad as though for sacriflce, 
for a priest flourished a great knife above his head, 
but Jeeki said something that caused them to let 
him go. Alan thought it was to the effect that Lit- 
tle Bonsa had changed her habits across the Black 
Water, and wanted no blood, only food. Then he 
remembered no more ; again the darkness fell upon 
him. 


CHAPTER X 

BONSA TOWN 

When consciousness returned to Alan, tlie first 
thing of which he became dimly aware was the 
slow, swaying motion of a litter. He raised himself, 
for he was lying at full length, and in so doing 
felt that there was something over his face. 

That confounded Little Bonsa,’^ he thought. 

Am I expected to spend the rest of my life with 
it on my head like the man in the iron mask? ” 

Then he put up his hand and felt the thing, to 
find that it was not Little Bonsa, but something 
made apparently of thin, fine linen, fitted to the 
shape of his face, for there was a nose on it, and 
eyeholes through which he could see, yes, and a 
mouth whereof the lips by some ingenious con- 
trivance could be moved up and down. 

Little Bonsais undress uniform, I expect,’^ he 
muttered, and tried to drag it off. This, however, 
proved to be impossible, for it was fitted tightly 
to his head and laced or fastened at the back of 
his neck so securely that he could not undo it. Be- 
ing still weak, soon he gave up the attempt and 
began to look about him. 

He was in a litter, a very fine litter hung round 
with beautifully woven and coloured grass mats, 
inside of which were a kind of couch and cushions 
of soft wool or hair, * so arranged that he could 
either sit up or lie down. He peeped between two 
of these mats and saw that they were travelling in 


158 


THE YELLOW GOD 


a mountainous country over a well-beaten road or 
trail, and that his litter was carried upon the 
shoulders of a double line of white-robed men, 
while all around him marched numbers of other 
men. They seemed to be soldiers, for they were 
arranged in companies and carried large spears and 
shields. Also some of them wore torques and 
bracelets of yellow metal that might be either brass 
or gold. Turning himself about he found an eye- 
hole in the back of the litter so contrived that ijts 
occupant could see without being seen, and per- 
ceived that his escort amounted to a veritable army 
of splendid-looking, but sombre-faced savages of 
a somewhat Semitic cast of countenance. Indeed 
many of them had aquiline features and hair that, 
although crisped, was long and carefully arranged 
in something like the old Egyptian fashion. Also 
he saw that about thirty yards behind and separated 
from him by a bodyguard, was borne a second litter 
By means of a similar aperture in front he dis- 
covered yet more soldiers, and beyond them, at the 
head of the procession, what appeared to be a body 
of white-robed men and women bearing strange 
emblems and banners. These he took to be priests 
and priestesses. 

Having examined everything that was within 
reach of his eye, Alan sank back upon his cushions 
and began to realize that he was very faint and 
hungry. It was just then that the sound of a familiar 
voice reached his ears. It was the voice of Jeeki 
and he did not speak, he chanted in English to a 
melody which Alan at once recognized as a Gre- 
gorian tone, apparently from the second litter. 

Oh, Major,’^ he sang, have you yet awoke from 
refre-e-eshing sleep? If so, please answer me in 
same tone of voice, for remember that you de-e-evil 


BONSA TOWN 159 

of a swell Lord of the Little Bonsa, and must not 
speak like co-o-omnion cad.’’ 

Feeble as he was Alan nearly burst out laughing, 
then remembering that probably he was expected 
not to laugh, chanted his answer as directed, which 
having a good tenor voice, he did with some effect, 
to the evident awe and delight of all the escort 
within hearing. 

I am awake, most excellent Jee-e-eki, and feel 
the need of food, if you have such a thing abou- 
ou-out you and it is lawful for the Lord of Little 
Bonsa to take nu-tri-nient.” 

Instantly Jeeki’s deep voice rose in reply. 

“ That good tidings upon the mountain tops, 
Ma-ajor. Can’t come out to bring you chop be- 
cause too i-i-infra dig, for now I also biggish bug, 
the little bird what sit upon the rose, as poet sa-a- 
ays. I tell these Johnnies bring you grub which 
you eat without qualm, for Asiki A1 coo-o-ook.” 

Then followed loud orders issued by Jeeki to his 
immediate entourage^ and some confusion. 

As a result presently Alan’s litter was halted, 
the curtains were opened and kneeling women 
thrust through them platters of wood upon which, 
wrapped up in leaves, were the dismembered limbs 
of a bird which he took to be chicken or guinea- 
fowl, and a gold cup containing water pleasantly 
flavoured with some essence. This cup interested 
him very much both on account of its shape and 
workmanship, which if rude, was striking in de- 
sign, resembling those drinking vessels that have 
been found in Mycenian graves, also it proved to 
him that Jeeki’s stories of the abundance of the pre- 
cious metal among the Asiki had not been exagger- 
ated. If it were not very plentiful, they would 


160 


THE YELLOW GOD 


scarcely, he thought, make their travelling cups of 
gold. Evidently there was wealth in the land. 

After the food had been handed to him the litter 
went on again, and seated upon his cushions, he ate 
and drank heartily enough, for now that the worst 
of his fatigue had passed away, his hunger was 
great. In some absurd fashion this meal reminded 
him of that which a traveller makes out of a lunch- 
eon basket upon a railway line in Europe or 
America. Only there the cups are not of gold and 
among the Asiki were no paper napkins, no salt and 
mustard and no three and sixpence to pay. Further, 
until he got used to it, luncheon in a linen mask 
with a movable mouth was not easy. This difficulty 
he overcame at last by propping the imitation lips 
apart with a piece of bone, after which things 
were easier. 

When he had finished he threw the platter and 
the remains out of the litter, retaining the cup 
for further examination, and recommenced his in- 
toned and poetical converse with Jeeki. 

To set it out at length would be wearisome, but 
in the course of an hour or so he collected a good 
deal of information. Thus he learned that they were 
due to arrive at the Asiki city, which was called 
Bonsa Town, by nightfall, or a little after. Also 
he was informed that the mask he wore was, as he 
had guessed, a kind of undress uniform without 
which he must never appear, since for anyone ex- 
cept the Asika herself to look upon the naked coun- 
tenance of an individual so mysteriously mixed up 
with Little Bonsa, was sacrilege of the worst sort. 
Indeed Jeeki assured him that the priests who had 
put on the headdress when he was insensible were 
first blindfolded. 

This news depressed Alan very much, since the 


BONSA TOWN 


161 


prospect of living in a linen mask for an indefinite 
period was not cheerful. Recovering, he chanted a 
query as to the fate of the Ogula crew and their 
chief Fahni. 

^^Not de-ad/’ intoned Jeeki in reply, and not 
gone back. A-all alive-0, somewhere behind there. 
Fanny very sick about it, for he think Asiki bring 
them along for sacrifice, poo-or beg-gars.’’ 

Finally he inquired where Little Bonsa was and 
was answered that he himself as its lawful 
guardian, was sitting on the fetish in its tin box, 
tidings that he was able to verify by groping be- 
neath the cushions. 

After this his voice gave out, though Jeeki con- 
tinued to sing items of interesting news from time 
to time. Indeed there were other things that ab- 
sorbed Alan^s attention. Looking through the peep- 
holes and cracks in the curtains, he saw that at 
last they had reached the crest of a ridge up which 
they had been climbing for hours. Before them lay 
a vast and fertile valley, much of which seemed to 
be under cultivation, and down it flowed a broad 
and placid river. Opposite to him and facing west a 
great tongue of land ran up to a wall of mountains 
with stark precipices of black rock that seemed to 
be hundreds, or even thousands, of feet high, and 
at the tip of this tongue a mighty waterfall rushed 
over the precipice, looking at that distance like a 
cascade of smoke. This torrent, which he remem- 
bered was called Raaba, fell into a great pool and 
there divided itself into two rushing branches that 
enclosed an ellipse of ground, surrounded on all 
sides by water, for on its westermost extremity the 
branches met again and after flowing a while as 
one river, divided once more and wound away 
quietly to north and south further than the eye 


162 


THE YELLOW GOD 


could reach. On the island thus formed, which 
may have been three miles long hy two in breadth, 
stood thousands of straw-roofed, square-built huts 
with verandas neatly arranged in blocks and lines 
and having between them streets that were edged 
with palms. 

On the hither side of the pool was what looked 
like a park, for here grew great, black trees, which 
from their flat shape Alan took to be some variety 
of cedar, and standing alone in the midst of this 
park where no other habitation could be discovered, 
was a large, low building with dark-coloured walls 
and gabled roofs that flashed like fire. 

The Gold House ! said Alan to himself with 
a gasp. So it is not a dream or a lie.’’ 

The details at that distance he could not discover, 
nor did he try to do so, for the general glory of the 
scene held him in its grip. At this evening hour, 
for a little while, the level rays of the setting sun 
poured straight up the huge, water-hollowed kloof. 
They struck upon the face of the fall, staining it 
and the clouds of mist that hung above, to a hun- 
dred glorious hues; indeed the substance of the 
foaming water seemed to be interlaced with rain- 
bows whereof the arch reached their crest and the 
feet were lost in the sullen blackness of the pool 
beneath. Beautiful too was the valley, glowing in 
the quiet light of evening, and even the native town 
thus gilded and glorified, looked like some happy 
home of peace. 

The sun was sinking rapidly, and before the lit- 
ter reached the foot of the hill and began to cross 
the rich valley, all the glory had departed and only 
the cataract showed white and ghost-like through 
the gloom. But still the light, which it seemed to 
gather to itself, gleamed upon that golden roof amid 


BONSA TOWN 163 

the cedar trees ; then the moon rose and the gold was 
turned to silver. Alan lay back upon his cushions 
full of wonder, almost of awe. It was a marvellous 
thing that he should have lived to reach this secret 
place hidden in the heart of Africa and defended 
by swamps, mountains and savages to which, so far 
as he knew, only one white man had ever pene- 
trated. And to think of it! That white man, his 
own uncle, had never even held it worth while to 
make public any account of its wonders, which ap- 
parently had seemed to him of no importance. Or 
perhaps he thought that if he did he would not be 
believed. Well, there they were before and about 
him, and now the question was, what would be his 
fate in this Gold House where the great fetish dwelt 
with its priestess? 

Ah! that priestess! Somehow he shivered a lit- 
tle when he thought of her; it was as though her 
influence were over him already. Next moment he 
forgot her for a while, for they had come to the 
river brink and the litter was being carried on to a 
barge or ferry, about which were gathered many 
armed men. Evidently the Gold House was well 
defended both by Nature and otherwise. The ferry 
was pulled or rowed across the river, he could not 
see which, and they passed through a gateway into 
the town and up a broad street where hundreds of 
people watched his advent. They did not seem to 
speak, or if they spoke their voices were lost in the 
sound of the thunder of the great cataract that 
dominated the place with its sullen,, continuous 
roar. It took Alan days to become accustomed to 
that roar, but by the inhabitants of Asiki-land ap- 
parently it was not noticed; their ears and voices 
were attuned to overcome its volume which their 
fathers had known from the beginning. 


164 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Presently they were through the town and a 
wooden gate in an inner wall which surrounded the 
park where the cedars grew. At this spot Alan 
noted that everybody left them except the bearers 
and a few men whom he took to be priests. On they 
stole like ghosts beneath the migjity trees, from 
whose limbs hung long festoons of moss. It was 
very dark there, only in places where a bough was 
broken the moonlight lay in white gules upon the 
ground. Another wall and another gate, and sud- 
denly the litter was set down. Its curtains opened, 
torches flashed, women appeared clad in white 
robes, veiled and mysterious, who bowed before 
him, then half led and half lifted him from his lit- 
ter. He could feel their eyes on him through their 
veils, but he could not see their faces. He could 
see nothing except their naked, copper-coloured 
arms and long thin hands stretched out to assist 
him. 

Alan descended from the litter as slowly as he 
could, for somehow he shrank from the quaint, 
carved portal which he saw before him. He did 
not wish to pass it; its aspect fllled him with re- 
luctance. The women drew him on, their hands 
pulled at his arms, their shoulders pressed him from 
behind. Still he hung back, looking about him, till 
to his delight he saw the other litter arrive and 
out of it emerge Jeeki, still wearing his sun-helmet 
with its fringe of tattered mosquito curtain. 

“ Here we are. Major,’’ he said in his cheerful 
voice, turned up all right like a bad ha’penny, 
but in odd situation.” 

“ Very odd,” echoed Alan. “ Could you persuade 
these ladies to let go of me? ” 

Don’t know,” answered Jeeki. ’Spect they 
your wives ; ’spect you have lots of wives here ; don’t 


BONSA TOWN 


165 


get white man every day, so make most of him. 
Best thing you do, kick out and teach them place. 
Rub nose in dirt at once and make them good, that 
first-class plan with female. I no like interfere 
in such delicate matter.^^ 

Terrified by this information, Alan put out his 
strength and shook the women off him, whereon 
without seeming to take any offence they drew 
back to a little distance and began to bow, like 
automata. Then Jeeki addressed them in their own 
language, asking them what they meant by defiling 
this mighty lord, born of the Heavens, with the 
touch of their hands, whereat they went on bowing 
more humbly than before. Next he threw aside the 
cushions of the litter and finding the tin box con- 
taining Little Bonsa, held it before him in both 
hands and bade the women lead on. 

The march began, a bewildering march. It was 
like a nightmare. Veiled women with torches be- 
fore and behind, Jeeki stalking ahead carrying the 
battered tin box, long passages lined with gold, a 
vision of black water edged with a wide promenade, 
and finally a large lamp-lit room whereof the roof 
was supported by gilded columns, and in the room 
couches of cushions, wooden stools inlaid with 
ivory, vessels of water, great basins made qf some 
black, hard wood, and in the centre a block of 
stone that looked like an altar. 

Jeeki set down the tin box upon the altar-lik^ 
stone, then he turned to the crowd of women and 
said, Bring food.’’ Instantly they departed, clos- 
ing the door of the room behind them. 

Now for a wash,” said Alan, “ unlace this con- 
founded mask, Jeeki.” 

Mustn’t, Major, mustn’t. Priests tell me that. 
If those girls see you without mask, perhaps they 


166 


THE YELLOW GOD 


kill them. Wait till they ^one after supper, then 
take it off. No one allowed see you without mask 
except Asika herself.’’ 

Alan stepped to one of the wooden bowls full of 
water which stood under a lamp, and gazed at his 
own reflection. The mask was gilded; the sham 
lips were painted red and round the eye-holes were 
black lines. 

<< Why, it is horrible,” he exclaimed, starting 
back. I look like a devil crossed with Guy 
Fawkes. Do you mean to tell me that I have got 
to live in this thing? ” 

“ Afraid so. Major, upon all public occasions. At 
least they say that. You holy, not lawful see your 
sacred face.” 

Who do the Asiki think I am, then, Jeeki?” 

They think you your reverend uncle come back 
after many, many year. You see. Major, they not 
believe uncle run away with Little Bonsa ; they be- 
lieve Little Bonsa run awav with uncle just for 
change of air and so on, and that now, when she 
tired of strange land, she bring him back again. 
That why you so holy, favourite of Little Bonsa who 
live with you all this time and keep you just same 
age, blood of youth.” 

In Heaven’s name,” asked Alan, exasperated, 
“ what is Little Bonsa, beyond an ancient and ugly 
gold fetish? ” 

Hush ! ” said Jeeki, mustn’t call her names 
here in' her own house. Little Bonsa much more 
than fetish. Little Bonsa alive, or so,” he added 
doubtfully, “these silly niggers say. She wife of 
Big Bonsa, who, you see, to-morrow p’raps. But 
their story this, that she get dead sick of Big Bonsa 
and bolt with white Medicine man, who dare preach 
she nothing but heathen idol. She want show him 


BONSA TOWN 167 

whether or no she only idol. That the yarn, 
priests tell it me to-day. They always sure Little 
Bonsa come back. Not at all surprised, but as 
she love you once, you always holy; and I holy 
also, thank goodness, because she take me too as 
servant. Therefore we sleep in peace, for they not 
cut our throats, at any rate at present, though I 
think,” he added mournfully, they not let us go 
either.” 

Alan sat down on a stool and groaned at the ap- 
palling prospect suggested by this information. 

Cheer up. Major,” said Jeeki sympatheticallv. 
“ Perhaps manage hook it somehow, and meanwhile 
make best of bad business and have high old time. 
You see you want to come Asiki-land, though I 
tell you it rum place, and,” he added with certitude 
and a circular sweep of his hand, by Jingo ! you 
here now and I daresay they give you all the gold 
you want.” 

“ WhaPs the good of gold unless one can get 
away with it? What’s the good of anything if we 
are prisoners among these devils? ” 

Perhaps time show. Major. Hush ! here come 
dinner. You sit still on stool and look holy.” 

The door opened and through it appeared four of 
the women bearing dishes and cups full of drink, 
fashioned of gold like that which had been given to 
Alan in the litter. He noticed at once that they had 
removed their veils and outer garments, if indeed 
they were the same women, and now, like many 
other Africans, were but lightly clad in linen capes 
open in front that hung over their shoulders, short 
petticoats or skirts about their middles, and san- 
dals. Such was their attire which, scanty as it 
might be, was yet becoming enough and extremely 
rich. Thus the cape was fastened with a brooch of 


168 


THE YELLOW GOD 


worked gold, so were the sandal straps, while the 
petticoat was adorned with beads of gold that jin- 
gled as they walked, and amongst them strings of 
other beads of various and beautiful colours, that 
might be glass or might be precious stones. More- 
over, these women were young and handsome, hav- 
ing splendid figures and well-cut features, soft, 
dark eyes and rather long hair worn in the formal 
and attractive fashion that has been described. 

Advancing to Alan two of them knelt before 
him, holding out the trays upon which was the food. 
So they remained while he ate, like bronze statues, 
nor would they consent to change their posture even 
when he told them in their language to be pleased 
to go away. On hearing themselves addressed in the 
Asiki tongue, they seemed surprised, for their faces 
changed a little, but go they would not. The re- 
sult was that Alan grew extremely neiwous and ate 
and drank so rapidly that he scarcely noted what 
he was putting into his mo»th. Then before 
Jeeki, to whom the women did not kneel, had half 
finished his dinner, Alan rose and walked away, 
whereon two of the women gathered up everything, 
including the dishes that had been given to Jeeki, 
and in spite of his remonstrances carried them out 
of the room. 

I say, Major,’^ said Jeeki, if you gobble chop 
so fast you go ill inside. Poor nigger like me can’t 
keep up with you and sleep hungry to-night.” 

I am sorry, Jeeki,” said Alan with a little laugh, 
but I can’t eat off living tables, especially when 
they stare at one like that. You tell them that to- 
morrow we will breakfast alone.” 

Oh, yes, I tell them. Major, but I don’t know 
if they listen. They mean it great compliment 


BONSA TOWN 169 

and only think 30 U not like those girls and send 
others.’^ 

Look here, Jeeki,’^ exclaimed Alan, turning his 
masked face towards the two who remained, let 
us come to an understanding at once. Clear them 
out. Tell them I am so holy that Little Bonsa is 
enough for me. Say I can’t bear the sight of fe- 
males, and that if they stop here I will sacrifice 
them. Say anything you like, only get rid of them 
and lock the door.” 

Thus adjured, Jeeki began to reason with the 
women, and as they treated his remarks with lofty 
disdain, at last seized first one and then the other 
by the elbows and literally ran them out of the 
room. 

There,” he said, baggage gone since you make 
such fuss about it, though I ’spect they try give me 
bean for this job ” (here he spoke not in figurative 
English slang, but of the Calabar bean, which is. a 
favourite native poison ) . Well, dinner gone and 
girls gone, and we tired, so best go to bed. Think 
we all private here now, though in Gold House 
never can be sure,” and he looked round him sus- 
piciously, adding, rummy place. Gold House, 
full of all sorts of holes made by old fellows thou- 
sand year ago, which no one know but Bonsa 
priests. Still, best risk it and take off your face 
so that you have decent wash,” and he began to un- 
lace the mask on his master’s head. 

Never has a City clerk dressed up for a fancy 
ball in the armour of a Norman knight, been more 
glad to get rid of his costume than was Alan of 
that hateful head-dress. At length it was gone with 
his other garments and the much-needed wash ac- 
complished, after which he clothed himself in a 
kind of linen gown which apparently had been 


170 


THE YELLOW GOD 


provided for him, and la}" down on one of the 
couches, placing his revolver by his side. 

^‘Will those lamps burn all night, Jeeki?’’ he 
asked. 

Hope so. Major, as we havenT got no match. 
Not fond of dark in Gold House,^^ answered Jeeki 
sleepily. Then he began, to snore. 

Alan fell asleep, but was too excited and tired, to 
rest very soundly. All sorts of dreams came to 
him, one of which he remembered on awakening, 
perhaps because it was the last. He dreamed that 
he heard some noise and opened his eyes, to see that 
they were no longer alone in the room. The oil 
lamps had burned quite low, indeed some of them 
were out, but by the light of those that remained 
he saw a tall figure which seemed to appear at the 
edge of the surrounding darlojess, a woman’s figure. 
It walked forward to the altar-like stone upon 
which lay the tin box containing Little Bonsa, and 
after several rather awkward attempts, succeeded 
in opening it, thereby making a noise which, in his 
dream, finally awoke Alan. For a while the figure 
gazed at the fetish. Then it shut the box, glided 
to his bed and bent down as though to study him. 
Out of the corners of his eyes he peered up at it, 
pretending all the while to be fast asleep. 

It was a woman wonderfully clad in gold-span- 
gled, veil-like garments with round bosses shaped 
to the breast, covered with thin plates of gold fash- 
ioned like the scales of a fish which showed off the 
extraordinary elegance of her lithe form. The low 
lamp-light shone upon her face and the coronet of 
gold set upon her dark hair. What a face it was! 
Never in all his days had he seen its like for evil 
loveliness. The great, languid, oblong eyes, the 
rich red lips bent like a bow, the cruel smile of 


BONSA TOWN 


171 


the mouth, the broad forehead on which the hair 
grew low, the delicately arched eyebrows and the 
long curving lashes of the heavy lids beneath them, 
the rounded cheeks, smooth as a ripe fruit, the firm, 
shapely chin, the snake-like poise of the head, the 
long bending neck, and the cat-like smile; all of 
these combined made such a dream-vision as he had 
never seen before, and to tell the truth, notwith- 
standing its beauty, for that could not be doubted, 
never wished to see again. Somehow he felt that 
if Satan should happen to have a copper-coloured 
wife, the exact picture of that lady had projected 
itself upon his sleeping senses. 

She seemed to study him very earnestly, with a 
kind of passionate eagerness, indeed, moving a lit- 
tle now and again to let the light fall upon some 
part that Avas in shadow. Once even she stretched 
out her rounded arm and just lifted the edge of the 
blanket so as to e;5:pose his hand, the left. As it 
chanced on the little finger of this hand Alan wore 
a plain gold ring which Barbara had given him, 
once it had' been her father’s signet. This ring, 
which had a coat of arms cut upon its bezel seemed 
to interest her very much, for she examined it for 
a long while. Then she drew off from her OAvn 
finger another ring of gold fashioned of two 
snakes curiously intertwined, and gently, so gently 
that in his sleep he scarcely felt it, slipped it on to 
his finger above Barbara’s ring. 

After this she seemed to vanish away, and Alan 
slept soundly until the morning, when he awoke to 
find the light of the sun pouring into the room 
through the high-set latticed window places. 


CHAPTER XI 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 

Alan rose and stretched himself, and hearing him, 
Jeeki, who had a dog’s faculty of instantly awak- 
ing from what seemed to be the deepest sleep, sat 
up also. 

You rest well, Major? No dream, eh? ” he 
asked, curiously. 

Not very,” answered Alan, and I had a dream, 
of a woman who stood over me and vanished away, 
as dreams do.” 

^^Ah!” said Jeeki. But where you find that 
new ring on finger, Major? ” 

Alan stared at his hand and started, for there 
set on it above that of Barbara, was the little circlet 
formed of twisted snakes which he had seen in his 
sleep. 

Then it must have been true,” he said in a low 
and rather frightened voice. ‘‘ But hoAv did she 
come and go? ” 

Funny place. Gold House. I tell you that yes- 
terday, Major. People come up through hole, like 
rat. Never quite sure you alone in Gold House. 
But what this lady like? ” 

Alan described his visitor to the best of his 
ability. 

Ah! ” said Jeeki, pretty girl. Big eyes, gold 
crown, gold stays which fit tight on front, very nice 
and decent ; sort of night-shirt with little gold stars 
all over — by Jingo! I think that Asika herself. If 
so — great compliment.” 


172 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 173 

Confound the compliment, I think it great 
cheek, answered Alan angrily. What does she 
mean by poking about here at night and putting 
rings on my finger? ’’ 

Don’t know. Major, but p’raps she wish make 
you understand that she like cut of your jib. Find 
out by and by. Meanwhile you wear ring, for while 
that on finger no one do you any harm.” 

You told me that this Asika is a married 
woman, did you not? ” remarked Alan gloomily. 

“Oh, yes. Major, always married; one down, 
other come on, you see. But she not always like 
her husband, and then she make him sit up, poor 
devil, and he die double quick. Great honour to be 

Asika’s husband, but soon all finished. P’raps ” 

Then he checked himself and suggested that Alan 
should have a bath while he cleaned his clothes, an 
attention that they needed. 

Scarcely had Alan finished his toilet, donned the 
Arab-looking linen robe over his own fragmentary 
fiannels, and above it the hateful mask which Jeeki 
insisted he must wear, when there came a knocking 
on the door. Motioning to Alan to take his seat 
upon a stool, Jeeki undid the bars, and as before 
women appeared with food and waited while they 
ate, which this time, having overcome his nervous- 
ness, Alan did more leisurely. Their meal done, one 
of the women asked Jeeki, for to his master they did 
not seem to dare to speak, whether the white lord 
did not wish to walk in the garden. Without wait- 
ing for an answer she led him to the end of the 
large room and, unbarring another door that they 
had not noticed, revealed a passage, beyond which 
appeared trees and flowers. Then she and her com- 
panions went away with the fragments of the meal. 
“ Come on,” said Alan, taking up the box con- 


174 


THE YELLOW GOD 


taining Little Bonsa, which he did not dare to leave 
behind, and let us get into the air/’ 

So they went down the passage and at the end of 
it through gates of copper or gold, they knew not 
which, that had evidently been left open for them, 
into the garden. It was a large place, a good many 
acres in extent indeed, and kept with some care, 
for there were paths in it and flowers that seemed 
to have been planted. Also here grew certain of the 
mighty cedar trees that they had seen from far off, 
beneath whose spreading boughs twilight reigned, 
while beyond, not more than half a mile away, the 
splendid river-fall thundered down the precipice. 
For the rest they could And no exit to that garden 
which on one side was enclosed by a sheer cliff of 
living rock, and on the others with steep stone walls 
beyond which ran a torrent and the buildings of 
the Gold House itself. 

For a while they walked up and down the rough 
paths, till at last Jeeki, wearying of this occupation, 
remarked : 

Melancholy hole this. Major. Kemind me of 
Westminster Abbey in London fog, where your 
uncle of blessed memory often take me pray and 
look at fusty tomb of king. S’pose we go back Gold 
House and see what happen. Anything better than 
stand about under cursed old cedar tree.” 

All right,” said Alan, who through the eyeholes 
in his mask had been studying the walls to seek a 
spot in them that could be climbed if necessary, and 
found none. 

So they returned to the room, which had beeiu 
swept and garnished in their absence. No sooner 
had they entered it than the door opened and 
through it came long lines of Asiki priests, each of 
whom staggered beneath the weight of a hide bag 


THE HALL OF THE DExiD 175 

that he bore upon his shoulder, which bags they 
piled up about the stone altar. Then, as though at 
some signal, each priest opened the mouth of his 
bag and Alan saw that they were filled with gold, 
gold in dust, gold in nuggets, gold in vessels per- 
fect or broken ; more gold than Alan had ever seen 
before. 

Why do they bring all this stuff here? he 
asked, and Jeeki translated his question. 

It is an offering to the lord of Little Bonsa,’’ 
answered the head priest, bowdng, a gift from the 
Asika. The heaven-born white man sent a word by 
his Ogula messengers that he desired gold. Here is 
the gold that he desired.’’ 

Alan stared at the treasure, which after all was 
what he had come to seek. If only he had it safe 
in England, he would be a rich man and his troubles 
ended. But how could he get it to England? Here 
it was worthless as mud. 

I thank the Asika,” he said. I ask for porters 
to bear her gift back to my own country, since it is 
too heavy for me and my servant to carry alone.” 

At these words the priest smiled a little, then said 
that the Asika desired to see the white lord and to 
receive from him Little Bonsa in return for the 
gold, and that he could proffer his request to her. 

Good,” replied Alan, lead me to the Asika.” 

Then they started, Alan bearing the box contain- 
ing Little Bonsa, and Jeeki following after him. 
They went down passages and through sundry doors 
till at length they came to a long and narrow hall 
that seemed to be lined with plates of gold. At 
the end of this hall was a large chair of black v ood 
and ivory placed upon a dais, and sitting in this 
chair with the light pouring on her from some open- 
ing above, was the woman of Alan’s dream, beauti- 


176 


THE YELLOW GOD 


ful to look on in her crown and glittering garments. 
Upon a stool at the foot of the dais sat a man, a 
handsome and melancholy man. His hair was tied 
behind his head in a pigtail and gilded, his face 
was painted red, white and yellow; he wore ropes 
of bright-coloured stones about his neck, middle, 
arms and ankles, and held a kind of sceptre in his 
hand. 

‘^Who is that creature?’^ asked Alan .over his 
shoulder to Jeeki. The Court fool? ’’ 

That husband of Asika, Major. He not fool, 
very big gun, but look a little low now because his 
time soon up. Come on. Major, Asika beckon us. 
Get on stomach and crawl; that custom here,” he 
added, going down on to his hands and knees, as 
did all the priests who followed them. 

ITl see her hanged first,” answered Alan in 
English. 

Then accompanied by the creeping Jeeki and the 
train of prostrate priests, he marched up the long 
hall to the edge of the dais and there stood still and 
bowed to the woman in the chair. 

Greeting, White Man,” she said in a low voice 
when she had studied him for a while. Do you 
understand my tongue? ” 

A little,” he answered in Asiki, moreover, my 
servant here knows it well and can translate.” 

I am glad,” she said. Tell me then, in your 
country do not people go on to their knees before 
their queen, and if not, how do they greet her? ” 
No,” answered Alan with the help of Jeeki. 
“ They greet her by raising their head-dress or kiss- 
ing her hand.” 

Ah ! ” she said. Well, you have no head-dress, 
so kiss my hand,” and she stretched it out towards 


THE HALL OP THE DEAD 177 

him, at the same time prodding the man whom 
Jeeki had said was her husband, in the back with 
her foot, apparently to make him get out of the 
way. 

Not knowing what else to do, Alan stepped on to 
the dais, the man scowling at him as he passed. 
Then he halted and said : 

How can I kiss your hand through this mask, 
Asika? 

True,” she answered, then considered a little 
and added, White man, you have brought back 
Little Bonsa, have you not. Little Bonsa who ran 
aw^ay with you a great many years ago? ” 

I have,” he said, ignoring the rest of the 
question. 

Your messengers said that you required a 
present of gold in return for Little Bonsa. I have 
sent you one, is it sufficient? If not, you can have 
more.” 

I cannot say, O Asika, I have not examined it. 
But I thank you for the present and desire porters 
to enable me to carry it aw^ay.” 

You desire porters,” she repeated meditatively. 

We wdll talk of that w hen you have rested here a 
moon or tw^o. Meanwdiile, give me Little Bonsa 
that she may be restored to her owm place.” 

Alan opened the tin box and lifting out the 
fetish, gave it to the priestess, who took it and with 
a serpentine movement of extraordinary grace 
glided from her chair on to her knees, holding the 
mask above her head in both hands, then thrice 
covered her face with it. This done, she called to 
the priests, bidding them take Little Bonsa to her 
own place and give notice throughout the land that 
she w^as back again. She added that the ancient 
Feast of Little Bonsa w^ould be held on the night 


178 


THE YELLOW GOD 


of the full moon within three days, and that all 
preparations must be made for it as she had 
commanded. 

Then the head medicine-man, raising himself 
upon his knees, crept on to the dais, took the fetish 
from her hands, and breaking into a wild song of 
triumph, he and his companions crawled down the 
hall and vanished through the door, leaving them 
alone save for the Asika^s husband. 

When they had gone the Asika looked at this man 
in a reflective way, and Alan looked at him also 
through the eyeholes of his mask, finding him well 
worth studying. As has been said, notwithstand- 
ing his paint and grotesque decorations, he was 
very good-looking for a native, with well-cut feat- 
ures of an Arab type. Also he was tall and mus- 
cular and not more than thirty years of age. What 
struck Alan most, however, was none of these 
things, nor his jewelled chains, nor even his gilded 
pigtail, but his eyes, which were full of terrors. 
Seeing them, Alan remembered J eeki’s story, which 
he had told to Mr. HaswelFs guests at the Court, 
of how the husband of the Asika was driven mad by 
ghosts. 

Just then she spoke to the man, addressing him 
by name and saying : 

Leave us alone, Mungana, I wish to speak with 
this white lord.^^ 

He did not seem to hear her words, but continued 
to stare at Alan. 

Hearken ! she exclaimed in a voice of ice. 

Do my bidding and begone, or you shall sleep 
alone to-night in a certain chamber that you 
know of.^^ 

Then Mungana rose, looked at her as a dog some- 
times does at a cruel master who is about to beat 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 179 

it, yes, witli just that same expression, put his hands 
before his eyes for a little while, and turning, left 
the hall by a side door which closed behind him. 
The Asika watched him go, laughed musically and 
said : 

It is a very dull thing to be married, — but how 
are you named, white man? ” 

Vernon,’’ he answered. 

Vernoon, Vernoon,” she repeated, for she could 
not pronounce the O as we do. Are you married, 
Vernoon? ” 

He shook his head. 

Have you been married? ” 

No,” he answered, never, but I am going 
to be.” 

Yes,” she repeated, you are going to be. You 
remember that you were near to it many years ago, 
when Little Bonsa got jealous and ran away with 
you. Well, she won’t do that again, for doubtless 
she is tired of you now, and besides,” she added 
with a flash of ferocity, I’d melt her with fire first 
and set her spirit free.” 

While Jeeki was trying to explain this mysterious 
speech to Alan, the Asika broke in, asking: 

Do you always want to wear that mask? ” 

He answered, Certainly not,” whereon she bade 
Jeeki take it off, which he did. 

Understand me,” she said, fixing her great lan- 
guid eyes upon his in a fashion that made him 
exceedingly uncomfortable, understand, Vernoon, 
that if you go out anywhere, it must be in your 
mask, which you can only put off when you are 
alone with me.” 

Why? ” he asked. 

Because, Vernoon, I do not choose that any 
other woman should see your face. If a woman 


180 


THE YELLOW GOD 


looks upon your uncovered face, remember that she 
dies — not nicely.’’ 

Alan stared at her blankly, being unable to find 
appropriate Asiki words in which to reply to this 
threat. But the Asika only leaned back in her 
chair and laughed at his evident confusion and 
dismay, till a new thought struck her. 

Your lips are free now,” she said; kiss my 
hand after the fashion of your own country,” and 
she stretched it out to Alan, leaving him no choice 
but to obey her. 

“ Why,” she went on mischievously, taking his 
hand and in turn touching it with her red lips, 

why, are you a thief, Vernoon? That ring was 
mine and you have stolen it. How did you steal 
that ring? ” 

I don’t know,” he answered, through Jeeki, I 
found it on my finger. I cannot understand how it 
came there. I understand nothing of all this talk.” 

Well, well, keep it, Vernoon, only give me that 
other ring of yours in exchange.” 

I cannot,” he replied, colouring. I promised 
to wear it always.” 

Whom did you promise? ” she asked with a fiash 
of rage. Was it a woman? Nay, I see, it is a 
man’s ring, and that is well, for otherwise I would 
bring a curse on her, however far off she may be 
dwelling. Say no more and forgive my anger. A 
vow is a vow — ^lieep your ring. But where is that 
one which you used to wear in bygone days? I 
recall that it had a cross upon it, not this star and 
figure of an eagle.” 

Now Alan remembered that his uncle owned such 
a ring with a cross upon it, and was frightened, for 
how did this woman know these things? 

Jeeki,” he said, ask the Asika if I am mad, or 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 


181 


if she is. How can she know what I used to wear, 
seeing that I was never in this place till yesterday, 
and certainly I have not met her anywhere else.’’ 

She mean when you your reverend uncle,” said 
Jeeki, wagging his great head, she thjnk you 
identical man.” 

What troubles you, Vernoon? ” the Asika asked 
softly, then added anything but softly to Jeeki, 
Translate, you dog, and be swift.” 

So Jeeki translated in a great hurry, telling her 
what Alan had said, and adding on his own account 
that he, silly white man that he was, could not 
understand how, as she was quite a young woman, 
she could have seen him before she was born. If 
that were so, she would be old and ugly now, not 
beautiful as she was. 

I never saw you before, and you never saw me. 
Lady, yet you talk as though we had been friends,” 
broke in Alan in his halting Asiki. 

So we were in the spirit, Vernoon. It was she 
who went before me who loved that white man 
whose face was as your face is, but her ghost lives 
on in me and tells me the tale. There have been 
many Asikas, for thousands of years they have ruled 
in this land, yet but one spirit belongs to them all ; 
it is the string upon which the beads of their lives 
are threaded. White man, I, whom you think young, 
know everything back to the beginning of the world, 
back to the time when I was a monkey woman 
sitting in those cedar trees, and if you wish, I can 
tell it you.” 

I should like to hear it very much indeed,” 
answered Alan, when he had mastered her mean- 
ing, “ though it is strange that none of the rest of 
us remember such things. Meanwhile, O Asika, I 
will tell you that I desire to return to my own land. 


182 


THE YELLOW GOD 


taking with me that gift of gold that you have 
given me. When will it please you to allow me to 
return? ’’ 

Not yet a while, I think,’’ she said, smiling at 
him weirdly, for no other word will describe that 
smile. My spirit remembers that it was ever 
thus. Those wanderers who came hither always 
wished to return again to their own country, like 
the birds in spring. Once there was a white man 
among them, that was more than twenty hundred 
years ago; he was a native of a country called 
Eoma, and wore a helmet. He wished to return, 
but my mother of that day, she kept him and by 
and by I will show him to you if you like. Before 
that there was a brown man who came from a land 
where a great river overflows its banks every year. 
He was a prince of his own country, w^ho had fled 
from his king and the desert folk made a slave of 
him, and so he drifted hither. He wished to. return 
also, for my mother of that day, or my spirit that 
dwelt in her, showed to him that if he could but be 
there they would make him king in his own land. 
But my mother of that day, she would not let him 
go, and by and by I will show him to yau, if you 
will.” 

Bewildered, amazed, Alan listened to her. Evi- 
dently the woman was mad, or else she played some 
mystical part for reasons of her own. 

When will you let me go, O Asika? ” he 
repeated. 

Not yet a while, I think,” she said again. You 
are too comely and I like you,” and she smiled at 
him. There was nothing coarse in the smile, indeed 
it had a certain spiritual quality which thrilled him. 

I like you,” she went on in her dreamy voice, I 
would keep you with me until your spirit is drawp 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 


183 


up into my spirit, making it strong and rich as all 
the spirits that went before have done, those spirits 
that my mothers loved from the beginning, which 
dwell in me to-day.’’ 

Now Alan grew alarmed, desperate even. 

Queen,” he said, but just now your husband 
sat here, is it right then that you should talk to me 
thus? ” 

My husband,” she answered, laughing. Why, 
that man is but a slave who plays the part of hus- 
band to satisfy an ancient law. Never has he so 
much as kissed my finger tips; my women — those 
who waited on you last nighh— are his wives, not 
I, — or may be, if he will. Soon he will die of love 
for me, and then when he is dead though not before 
I may take another husband, any husband that I 
choose, and I think that no black man shall be my 
lord, who have other, purer blood in me. Vernoon, 
five centuries have gone by since an Asika was 
really wed to a foreign man who wore a green 
turban and called himself a son of the Prophet, a 
man with a hooked nose and hashing eyes, who 
reviled our gods until they slew him, even though 
he was the beloved of their priestess. She who went 
before me would have married that white man 
whose face was like your face, but he fied with 
Little Bonsa, or rather Little Bonsa fied with him. 
So she passed away unwed, and in her place I 
came.” 

How did you come, if she whom you call your 
mother was not your mother? ” asked Alan. 

What is that to you, white man?” she replied 
haughtily. I am here, as my spirit has been here 
from the first. Oh! I see you think I lie to you, 
come then, come, and I will show you those who 
from the beginning have been the husbands of the 


184 THE YELLOW GOD 

Asika/’ and rising from her chair she took him 
the hand. 

They went through doors and by long, half-lit 
passages till they came to great gates guarded by 
old priests armed with spears. As they drew near 
to these priests the Asika loosed a scarf that she 
wore over her breast plate of gold fish scales, and 
threw the star-spangled thing over Alan’s head, 
that even these priests should not see his face. Then 
she spoke a word to them and they opened the 
gates. Here Jeeki evinced a disposition to remain, 
remarking to his master that he thought that place, 
into which he had never entered, much too holy 
for poor nigger like him.” 

The Asika asked him what he had said and he 
explained his sense of unworthiness in her own 
tongue. 

Come, fellow,” she exclaimed, to translate my 
words and to bear witness that no trick is played 
upon your lord.” 

Still Jeeki lingered bashfully, whereon at a sign 
from her one of the priests pricked him behind with 
his great spear, and uttering a low howl he sprang 
forward. 

The Asika led the way down a passage, which 
they saw ended in a big hall lit with lamps. Now 
they were in it and Alan became aware that they 
had entered the treasure house of the Asiki, since 
here were piled up great heaps of gold, gold in 
ingots, gold in nuggets, in stone jars filled with 
dust, in vessels plain or embossed with monstrous 
shapes in fetishes and in little squares and discs 
that looked as though they had served as coins. 
Never had he seen so much gold before. 

“ You are rich here. Lady,” he said, gazing at the 
piles astonished. 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 185 

She shrugged her shoulders. Yes, as I have 
heard that some people count wealth. These are the 
offerings brought to our gods from the beginning; 
also all the gold found in the mountains belongs 
to the gods, and there is much of it there. The gift 
I sent to you was taken from this heap, but in 
truth it is a poor gift, seeing that although this 
stuff is bright and serves for cups and other things, 
it has no use at all and is only offered to the gods 
because it is harder to come by than other metals. 
Look, these are prettier than the gold,” and from 
a stone table she picked up at hazard a long neck- 
lace of large, uncut stones, red and white in colour 
and set alternately, that Alan judged to be crystals 
and spinels. 

“Take it,” she said, “and examine it at your 
leisure. It is very old. For hundreds of years no 
more of these necklaces have been made,” and with 
a careless movement she threw the chain over his 
head so that it hung upon his shoulders. 

Alan thanked her, then remembered that the man 
called Mungana, who was the husband, real or offi- 
cial, of this priestess, had been somewhat similarly 
adorned, and shivered a little as though at a presage 
of advancing fate. Still he did not return the thing, 
fearing lest he should give offence. 

At this moment his attention was taken from the 
treasure by the sound of a groan behind him. Turn- 
ing round he perceived Jeeki, his great eyes rolling 
as though in an extremity of fear. 

“ Oh my golly ! Major,” he ejaculated, pointing to 
the wall, “ look there.” 

Alan looked, but at first in that dim light could 
only discover long rows of gleaming objects which 
reached from the floor to the roof. 

“ Come and see,” said the Asika, and taking a 


186 


THE YELLOW GOD 


lamp from that table on which lay the gems, she led 
him past the piles of gold to one side of the vault 
or hall. Then he saw, and although he did not show 
it, like Jeeki was afraid. 

For there, each in his own niche and standing 
one above the other, were what looked like hun- 
dreds of golden men with gleaming eyes. At first 
until the utter stillness undeceived him, he thought 
that they must be men. Then he understood that 
this was what they had been ; now they were corpses 
wrapped in sheets of thin gold and wearing golden 
masks with eyes of crystal, each mask being beaten 
out to a hideous representation of the man in life. 

All these are the husbands of my spirit,’’ said 
the priestess, waving the lamp in front of the lowest 
row of them, who were married to the Asikas in 
the past. Look, here is he who said that he ought 
to be king of that rich land where 3^ear by year the 
river overflows its banks,” and going to one of the 
first of the figures in the bottom row, she drew out 
a fastening and suffered the gold mask to fall for- 
ward on a hinge, exposing the face within. 

Although it had evidently been treated with some 
preservative, this head now was little more than a 
skull still covered with dark hair, but set upon its 
brow appeared an object that Alan recognized at 
once, a simple band of plain gold, and rising from 
it the head of an asp. Without doubt it was the 
uraemus, that symbol which only the royalties of 
Old Egypt dared to wear. Without doubt also 
either this man had brought it with him from the 
Nile, or in memory of his rank and home he had 
fashioned it of the gold that was so plentiful in 
the place of his captivity. So this woman’s story 
was true, an ancient Egyptian had once been hus- 
band to the Asika of his day. 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 187 

Meanwhile his guide had passed a long way down 
the line and halting in front of another gold- 
wrapped figure, opened its mask. 

This is that man,” she said, who told us he 
came from a land called Roma. Look, the helmet 
still rests upon his head, though time has eaten into 
it, and that ring upon your hand was taken from 
his finger. I have a head-dress made upon the model 
of that helmet which I wear sometimes in memory 
of this man Avho, my soul remembers, was brave and 
pleasant and a gallant lover.” 

Indeed,” answered Alan, looking at the sunken 
face above which a rim of curls appeared beneath 
the rusting helmet. ^^Well, he doesn’t look very 
gallant now, does he? ” Then he peered over be- 
tween the body and its gold casing and saw that in 
his bony hand the man still held a short Roman 
sword, lifted as though in salute. So she had not 
lied in this matter either. 

Meanwhile the Asika had glided on to the end of 
the hall behind the heaps of treasure. 

“ There is one more white man,” she said, 

though we know little of him, for he was fierce 
and barbarous and died without learning our 
tongue, after killing a great number of the priests 
of that day because they would not let him go ; yes, 
died cutting them down with a battle-axe and sing- 
ing some wild song of his own country. Come 
hither, slave, and bend yourself, so, resting your 
hands upon the ground.” 

Jeeki obeyed, and actively as a cat the priestess 
leaped on to his back, and reaching up opened the 
mask of a corpse in the second row and held her 
lamp before its face. 

It was better preserved than the others, so that 
its features remained comparatively perfect, and 


188 


THE YELLOW GOD 


about them hung a tangle of golden hair. More- 
over, a broad battle-axe appeared resting on the 
shoulder. 

A viking,’^ thought Alan. I wonder how he 
came here.’^ 

When he had looked the Asika leaped from 
Jeeki’s back to the ground and waving her arm 
around her, began to talk so rapidly that Alan could 
understand nothing of her words, and asked Jeeki 
to translate them. 

She say,’’ explained Jeeki between his chat- 
tering teeth, that all rest these Johnnies very poor 
crowd, natives and that lot except one who worship 
false Prophet and cut throat of Asika of that time, 
because she infidel and he teach her better ; also eat 
his dinner out of Little Bonsa and chuck her into 
water. Very wild man, that Arab, but priests catch 
him at last and fill him with hot gold before Little 
Bonsa because he no care a damn for ghosts. So 
he dies saying Hip, hip, hip, hurrah ! for houri and 
green field of Prophet and to hell with Asika and 
Bonsa, Big and Little! Now he sit up there and at 
night time worst ghost of all the crowd, always come 
to finish off Mungana. That all she say, and quite 
enough too. Come on quick, she want you and no 
like wait.” 

By now the Asika had passed almost round the 
hall, and was standing opposite to an empty niche 
beyond and above which there were perhaps a score 
of bodies gold-plated in the usual fashion. 

That is your place, Vernoon,” she said gently, 
contemplating him with her soft and heavy eyes, 
for it was prepared for the white man with whom 
Little Bonsa fied away, and since then, as you see, 
there have been many Munganas, some of whom 
belong to me ; indeed, that one,” and she touched a 


THE HALL OF THE DEAD 


189 


corpse on which the gold looked very fresh, only 
left me last year. But we always knew that Little 
Bonsa would bring you back again, and so you see, 
we have kept your place empty. 

Indeed,’ remarked Alan, that is very kind of 
you,” and feeling that he would faint if he stayed 
longer in this horrible and haunted vault, he pushed 
past her with little ceremony and walked out 
through the gates into the passage beyond. 


CHAPTER XII 


THE GOLD HOUSE 

How you like Asiki-land, Major? asked Jeeki, 
who had followed him and was now leaning against 
a wall fanning himself feebly with his great hand. 

Funny place, isnT it, Major? I tell you so before 
you come, but you no believe me.’^ 

Very funny,’’ answered Alan, so funny that I 
want to get out.” 

Ah ! Major, that what eel say in trap where he 
go after lob-worm, but he only get out into frying 
pan after cook skin him alive-o. Ah! here come 
cook — I mean Asika. She only stop shut up those 
stiff ’uns, who all love lob-worm one day. Very 
pretty woman, Asika, but thank God she no set her 
cap at me, who like to be buried in open like 
Christian man.” 

If you don’t stop it, Jeeki,” replied Alan in a 
voice of concentrated rage, I’ll see tl^at you are 
buried just where you are.” 

‘‘No offence. Major, no offence, my heart full and 
bubble up. I wonder what Miss Barbara say if she 
see you mooing and cooing with dark-eyed girl in 
gold snake skin? ” 

Just then the Asika arrived and by way of excuse 
for his flight, Alan remarked to her that the 
treasure-hall was hot. 

“ I did not notice it,” she answered,” but he who 
is called my husband, Mungana, says the same. The 
Mungana is guardian of the treasure,” she ex- 
plained, “ and when he is required so to do, he 

190 


THE GOLD HOUSE 191 

sleeps in the Place of the Treasure and gathers 
wisdom from the spirits of those Munganas who 
were before him/’ 

Indeed. And does he like that bed-chamber? ” 

The Mungana likes what I like, not what he 
likes,” she replied haughtily. Where I send him 
to sleep, there he sleeps. But come, Vernoon, and 
I will show you the Holy Water where Big Bonsa 
dwells; also the house in which I have my home, 
where you shall visit me when you please.” 

Who built this place? ” asked Alan as she led 
him through more dark and tortuous passages. It 
is very great.” 

My spirit does not remember when it was built, 
Vernoon, so old is it, but I think that the Asiki 
were once a big and famous people who traded to 
the water upon the west, and even to the water 
upon the east, and that was how those white men 
became their slaves and the Munganas of their 
queens. Now they are small and live only by the 
might and fame of Big and Little Bonsa, not half 
filling the rich land which is theirs. But,” she 
added refiectively and looking at him, I think also 
that this is because in the past fools have been 
thrust upon my spirit as Munganas. What it needs 
is the wisdom of the white man, such wisdom as 
yours, Vernoon. If that were added to my magic, 
then the Asiki would grow great again, seeing that 
they have gold in such plenty which you have shown 
me the white man loves. Yes, they would grow 
great and from coast to coast the people should bow 
at the name of Bonsa and send him their sons for 
sacrifice. Perhaps you will live to see that day, 
Vernoon. Slave,” she added, addressing Jeeki, set 
the mask upon your lord’s head, for we come where 
w’omen are.” 


192 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Alan objected, but she stamped her foot and said 
it must be so, having once worn Little Bonsa, as 
her people told her he had done, his naked face 
might not be seen. So Alan submitted to the hide- 
ous head-dress and they entered the Asika’s house 
by some back entrance. 

It was a place with many rooms in it, but they 
were all remarkable for extreme simplicity. With 
a single exception no gilding or jrold was to be seen, 
although the food vessels were made of this mate- 
rial here as everywhere. The chambers, including 
those in which the Asika lived and slept, were pan- 
elled, or rather boarded with cedar wood that was 
almost black with age, and the little furniture 
which they had was mostly made of ebony. They 
were very insufficiently lighted, like his own room 
by means of barred openings set high in the wall. 
Indeed gloom and mystery were the keynotes of this 
place, amongst the shadows of which handsome, 
half-naked servants or priestesses flitted to and fro 
at their tasks, or peered at them out of dark corners. 
The atmosphere seemed heavy with secret sin ; Alan 
felt that in those rooms unnamable crimes and 
cruelties had been committed for hundreds or per- 
haps thousands of years, and that the place was yet 
haunted by the ghosts of them. At any rate it 
struck a chill to his healthy blood, more even than 
had that Hall of the Dead and of heaped-up golden 
treasure. 

Does my house please you?’’ the Asika asked 
of him. 

“Not altogether,” he answered, “I think it is 
dark.” 

“ From the beginning my spirit has ever loved the 
dark, Vernoon. I think that it Avas shaped in some 
black midnight.” 


THE GOLD HOUSE 


193 


They passed through the chief entrance of the 
house which had pillars of woodwork grotesquely 
carved, down some steps into a walled and roofed-in 
yard where the shadows were even more dense than 
in the house they had left. Only at one spot was 
there light flowing down through a hole in the roof, 
as it did apparently in that hall where Alan had 
found the Asika sitting in state. The light fell on 
to a pedestal or column made of gold which was 
placed behind an object like a large Saxon font, also 
made of gold. The shape of this column reminded 
Alan of something, namely of a very similar column, 
although fashioned of a different material which 
stood in the granite-built oflSice of Messrs. Aylward 
& Haswell in the City of London. Nor did this 
seem wonderful to him, since on the top of it, squat- 
ting on its dwarf legs, stood a horrid but familiar 
thing, namely Little Bonsa herself come home at 
last. There she sat smiling cruelly, as she had 
smiled from the beginning, forgetful doubtless of 
her Avanderings in strange lands, while round her 
stood a band of priests armed with spears. 

FolloAved by the Asika and Jeeki, Alan walked 
up and looked her in the face and to his excited 
imagination she appeared to grin at him in answer. 
Then while the priests prostrated themselves, he 
examined the golden basin or laver, and saw that 
at the further side of it was a little platform ap- 
proached by steps. On the top of these golden steps 
were two depressions such as might have been worn 
out in the course of ages by persons kneeling there. 
Also the flat edge of the basin which stood about 
thirty inches above the level of the topmost step, 
was scored as though by hundreds of sword cuts 
which had made deep lines in the pure metal. The 
basin itself was empty. 


194 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Seeing that these things interested him, the Asika 
volunteered the information through Jeeki,that this 
was a divining-bowl, and that if thosQ who went 
before her had wished to learn the future, th^y 
caused Little Bonsa to float in it and found out all 
they wanted to know by her movements. 

Where does the water come from? asked Alan 
thoughtlessly. 

Out of the hearts of men,’’ she answered with 
a loAV and dreadful laugh. These marks are those 
of swords and every one of them means a life.” 
Then seeing that he looked incredulous she added. 

Stay, I will show you. Little Bonsa must be 
thirsty who has fasted so long, also there are things 
that I desire to know. Come hither — you, and 
you,” and she pointed at hazard to the two priests 
who knelt nearest to her, and do you bid the execu- 
tioner bring his axe,” she went on to a third. 

The dark faces of the men turned ashen, but they 
made no effort to escape their doom. One of them 
crept up the steps and laid his neck upon the edge 
of gold, while the other, uttering no word, threw 
himself on his face at the foot of them, waiting his 
turn. Then a door opened and there appeared a 
great and brutal-looking fellow, naked except for 
a loin cloth, who bore in his hand a huge weapon, 
half knife and half axe. 

First he looked at the Asika, who nodded almost 
imperceptibly, then sprang on to a prolongation of 
the golden steps, bowed to Little Bonsa on her 
column behind and heaved up his knife. 

Now for the first time Alan really understood 
what was about to happen, and that what he had 
imagined a stage rehearsal, was to become a hideous 
murder. 


THE GOLD HOUSE 195 

Stop ! ’’ he shouted in English, being unable to 
remember the native word. 

The executioner paused with his axe poised in 
mid-air; the victim turned his head and looked as 
though surprised ; the second victim and the priests 
their companions looked also. Jeeki fell on to his 
knees and burst into fervent prayer addressed ap- 
parently to Little Bonsa. The Asika smiled and did 
nothing. 

Again the weapon Avas lifted and as he felt that 
words were no longer of anv use^eyen if he could 
find them, Alan took refuge in action. Springing 
on to the other side of the little platform, he hit out 
with all his strength across the kneeling man. 
Catching the executioner on the point of the chin, 
he knocked him straight backwards in such fashion 
that his head struck upon the fioor before any other 
portion of his body, so that he lay there either dead 
or stunned. Alan never learned which, since the 
matter was not thought of sufficient importance to 
be mentioned. 

At this sight the Asika burst into a low laugh, 
then asked Alan why he had felled the executioner. 
He answered because he would not stand by and 
see two innocent men butchered. 

Why not? she said in a surprised voice; if 
Little Bonsa, whose priests they are, needs them, 
and I, who am the Mouth of the gods declare that 
they should die? Still, she has been in your keep- 
ing for a long while and you may know her will, 
so if you wish it, let them live. Or perhaps you 
require other victims,’^ and she fixed her eyes upon 
Jeeki with a glance of suggestive hope. 

Oh my golly ! gasped Jeeki in English, tell 
her not for Joe, Major, tell her most improper. 


196 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Say Yellow God my dearest friend and go mad as 
hatter if my throat cut^ — — ’’ 

Alan stopped his protestations wjth a secret kick. 

I choose no victims/’ he broke in, nor will I 
see man’s blood shed — to me it is orunda — unholy ; 
I may not look on human blood, and if you cause 
me to do so, Asika, I shall hate you because you 
make me break my oath.” 

The Asika reflected for a moment, while Jeeki 
behind muttered between his chattering teeth : 

Good missionary talk that. Major. Keep up 
word in season. Major. If she make Christian 
martj^r of Jeeki, who get you out of this confounded 
hole? ” 

Then the Asika spoke. 

Be it as you will, for I desire neither that you 
should hate me, nor that you should look on that 
which is unlawful for your eyes to see. The feasts 
and ceremonies you must attend, but if I can help 
it, no victim shall be slain in your presence, not 
even that whimpering hound, your servant,” she 
added with a contemptuous glance at Jeeki, who, 
it seems, fears to give his life for the glory of the 
god, but who because he is yours, is safe now and 
always.” 

That very satisfactory,” said Jeeki, rising from 
his knees, his face wreathed in smiles, for he knew 
well that a decree of the Asika could not be broken. 
Then he began to explain to the priestess that it 
was not fear of losing his own life that had moved 
him, but the certainty that this occurrence would 
disagree morally with Little Bonsa, whose entire 
confidence he possessed. 

Taking no notice of his words, with a slight rev- 
erence to the fetish, she passed on, beckoning to 
Alan. As he went the two prostrate priests whose 


THE GOLD HOUSE 197 

lives he had saved, lifted their heads a little and 
looked at him with heartfelt gratitude in their eyes ; 
indeed one of them kissed the place where his foot 
had trodden. Jeeki, following, gave him a kick to 
intimate that he was taking a liberty, but at the 
same time stooped down and asked the man his 
name. It occurred to him that these rescued priests 
might some day be useful. 

Alan followed her through a kind of swing door 
which opened into another of the endless halls, but 
when he looked for her there she \vas nowhere to be 
seen. A priest who was waiting beyond the door 
bowed and informed him that the Asika had gone 
to her own place, and would see him that evening. 
Then bowing again he led them back by various 
passages to the room where they had slept. 

Jeeki,^’ said Alan after their food had been 
brought to them, for it was now past midday, 
you were born in Asiki-land ; tell me the truth 
of this business. What does that woman mean 
when she talks about her spirit having been here 
from the beginning? 

She mean. Major, that every time she die her 
soul go into someone else, whom priests find out by 
marks. Also Asika always die young, they never 
let her become old woman, but how she die and 
where they bury her, no one know except priests. 
Sometimes she have girl child who become Asika 
after her, but if she have boy child, they kill him. 
I think this Asika daughter of her who made love 
to your reverend uncle. All that story ’bout her 
mother not being married, lies, and all her story 
lies too, she often marry.” 

But how about the spirit coming back, Jeeki? ” 

’Spect that lie too, Major, though she think it 


198 


THE YELLOW GOD 


solemn fact. Priests teach her all those old things. 
Still/’ he added doubtfully, Asika great medicine- 
woman and know a lot we don’t kno^y, can’t say 
how. Very awkward customer, Major.” 

Quite so, Jeeki, I agree with yo,u. But to come 
to the point, what is her game with me? ” 

Oh ! Major,” he answered with a grin, that 
simple enough. She tired of black man, want 
change, mean to marry you according to law, that 
is when Mungana dies, and he die jolly quick now. 
She mustn’t kill him, but polish him off all the 
same, stick him to sleep with those dead uns, till 
he go like drunk man and see things and drown 
himself. Then she marry you. But till he dead, 
you all right, she only talk and make eyes, ’cause 
of Asiki law, not ’cause she want stop there.” 

Indeed, Jeeki, and how long do you think that 
Mungana will last? ” 

“ Perhaps three months. Major, and perhaps two. 
Think not more than two. Strong man, but he look 
devilish dicky this morning. Think he begin to see 
snakes.” 

Very well, Jeeki. Now listen to me — you’ve 
got to get us out of Asiki-land by this day two 
months. If you don’t, that lady will do anything 
to oblige me and no doubt there are more execu- 
tioners left.” 

“ Oh ! Major, don’t talk like silly fool. You know 
very well this no place for ultra-Christian man like 
Jeeki, who only come here to please you. Both in 
same bag. Major, if I die, you die and leave Miss 
Barbara up gum tree. I get you out if I can. But 
this stuff the trouble,” and he pointed to the bags 
of gold. Not want to leave all that behind after 
such arduous walk. No, no, I try get you out, 
meanwhile you play game.” 


THE GOLD HOUSE 


199 


The game ! What game, Jeeki? ’’ 

“ What game? Why, Asika game of course. If 
she sigh, you sigh; if she look at you, you look at 
her ; if she squeeze hand, jou squeeze hand ; if she 
kiss, you kiss.^’ 

“ I am hanged if I do, Jeeki.’’ 

Must, Major ; must or never get out of Asiki- 
land. What all that matter? ’’ he added confiden- 
tially. Miss Barbara not know. Jeeki doesn^t 
split, also quite necessary in situation, and you 
can’t be married till that Mungana dead. All mat- 
ter business. Major; make time pass pleasant as 
well. Asika jolly enough if you stroke her fur right 
way, but if you put her back up — oh Lor! No 
trouble, sit and smile and say, ^ Oh, ducky, how 
beautiful you are ! ’ that not hurt anybody.” 

In spite of himself Alan burst ou.t laughing. 

But how about the Mungana? ” he asked. 

Mungana, he got take that with rest. Also I 
try make friends with that poor devil. Tell him it 
all my eye. Perhaps he believe me — not sure. If 
he me, I no believe him, Mungana,” he added oracu- 
larly, Mungana take his chance. What matter? 
In two months’ time he nothing but gold figure. 
No. 2403, just like one mummy in museum. Now 
I try catch my ma. I hear she alive somewhere. 
They tell me she used keep lodging house/ for Bonsa 
pilgrim, but steal grub, say it cat, all that sort of 
thing, and get run in as( thief. Afraid my ma come 
down very much in world, not society lady now, 
shut up long way off in suburb. Still p’raps she 
useful so best send her message by p’liceman, say 
how much I love her; say her dear little Jeeki turn 
up again just to see her sweet face. Only don’t 
know if she swallow that or if they let her out 
prison unless I pay for all she prig.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 

It was the night of full moon and of the great 
feast of the return of Little Bonsa. Alan sat in his 
chamber waiting to be summoned to take part in 
this ceremony and listening the while to that Wow! 
Wow! Wow! of the death drums, whereof Jeeki had 
once spoken in England, which could be clearly 
heard even above the perpetual boom of the cataract 
tumbling down its cliff behind the town. By now he 
had recovered from the fatigue of his journey and 
his health was good, but the same could not be said 
of his spirits, for never in his life had he felt more 
downhearted, not even when he was sickening for 
the blackwater fever, or lay in bondage in the City, 
expecting every morning to wake up and find his 
reputation blasted. He was a prisoner in this 
dreadful, gloomy place where he must live like a 
second Man in the Iron Mask, without recreation 
or exercise other than he could find in the walled 
garden where grew the black cedar trees, and, so far 
as he could see, a prisoner without hope of escape. 

Moreover, he could no longer disguise from him- 
self the truth; Jeeki was right. The Asika had 
fallen in love with him, or at any rate made up her 
mind that he should be her next husband. He hated 
the sight of the woman and her sinuous, evil beauty, 
but to be free of her was impossible, and to offend 
her, death. All day long she kept him about her, 
and from his sleep he would wake up and as on the 
?oo 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 201 

night of his arrival, distinguish her leaning over 
him studying his face by the light of the faintly- 
burning lamps, as a snake studies the bird it is 
about to strike. He dared not stir or give the 
slightest sign that he saw her. Nor indeed did he 
always see her, for he kept his eyes closely shut. 
But even in his heaviest slumber some warning 
sense told him of her presence, and then above 
Jeeki^s snores (for on these occasiqns Jeeki always 
snored his loudest) he would hear a soft footfall, 
as cat-like, she crept towards him or the sweep of 
her spangled robe, or the tinkling of the scales of 
her golden breastplate. For a long while she would 
stand there, examining him greedily and even the 
few little belongings that remained to him, and 
then with a hungry sigh glide away and vanish in 
the shadows. How she came or how she vanished 
Allen could not discover. Clearly she did not use 
the door, and he could find no other entrance to the 
room. Indeed at times he thought he must be suf- 
fering from delusion, but . Jeeki shook his great 
head and did not agree with him. 

She there right enough,’’ he said. She walk 
over me as though I log and I smell stuff 
she put on her hair, but I think she come and go by 
magic. Asika do that if she please.” 

‘‘ Then I wish she would teach me the secret, 
Jeeki. I should soon be out of Asiki-land, I can 
tell you.” 

All that day Alan had been in her company, an- 
swering her endless questions about his past, the 
lands that he had visited, and especially the women 
that he had known. He had the tact to tell her 
that none of these were half so beautiful as she was, 
which was true in a sense and pleased her very 
much, for in whatever respects she differed from 


202 


THE YELLOW GOD 


them, in common with the rest of her sex she loved 
a compliment Emboldened by her good humour, 
he had ventured to suggest that being rested and 
having restored Little Bonsa, he would be glad to 
return with her gifts to his own country. Next in- 
stant he was sorry, for as soon as she understood 
his meaning she grew almost white with rage. 

^ What !’ she said ; ‘^you desire to leaye me? 
Know, Vernoon, that I will see you dead first and 
myself also, for then we shall be born again together 
and can never more be separated.’’ 

Nor was this all, for she burst into weeping, 
threw her arms about him, drew him to her, kissed 
him on the forehead, and then thrust him away, 
saying : 

Curses on this priests’ law that makes us wait 
so long, and curses on that Mungana who will not 
die and may not be killed. Well, he shall pay for it 
and within two months, Vernoon, oh! within two 

months ” and she stretched out her arms with 

a gesture of infinite passion, then turned and left 
him. 

My ! ” said Jeeki afterwards, for he had watched 
all this scene open-mouthed, my ! but she mean 
business. Mrs. Jeeki never kissed me like that, nor 
any other female either. She dead nuts on you. 
Major. Very great compliment! ’Spect when you 
Mungana, she keep you alive a long time, four or 
five years perhaps, if no other white man come this 
way. Pity you can’t take it on a bit, Major,” he 
added insidiously, because then she grow careless 
and make you chief and we get chance scoop out 
that gold house and bolt with bally lot. Miss Bar- 
bara sensible woman, when she see all that cash she 
not mind, she say ^ Bravo, old boy, quite right spoil 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 203 

Lady Potiphar in land of bondage, but Jeeki must 
have ten per cent, because he show you how 
do it’ ” 

Alan was so depressed, and indeed terrified by 
this demonstration on the part of his fearful hostess, 
that he could neither laugh at Jeeki, nor swear at 
him. He only sat still and groaned, feeling that 
bad as things were they were bound to become 
worse. 

Above the perpetual booming of the death drums 
rose a sound of wild music. The door burst open, 
and through it came a number of priests, their 
nearly naked bodies hideously painted and on their 
heads the most devilish-looking masks. Some of 
them clashed cymbals, some blew horns and some 
beat little drums all to time which was given to 
them by a bandmaster with a golden rod. In front 
of them with painted face and decked in his gor- 
geous apparel, walked the Mungana himself. . 

They come to take us to Bonsa worship,” ex- 
plained Jeeki. Cheer up. Major, very exciting 
business, no go to sleep there, as in English church. 
See god all time and no sermon.” 

Alan, who wore a linen robe over the remains 
of his European garments, and whose mask was al- 
ready on his head, rose listlessly and bowed to the 
gorgeous Mungana who, poor man, answered him 
with a stare of hate, knowing that this wanderer 
was destined to fill his place. Then they started, 
Jeeki accompanying them, and walked a long way 
through various halls and passages, bearing first 
to the left and then to the right again, till sud- 
denly through some side door they emerged upon a 
marvellous scene. The first impressions that 
reached Alan’s mind were those of a long stretch 


204 


THE YELLOW GOD 


of water, very black and still and not more than 
eighty feet in width. On the hither edge of this 
canal, seated upon a raised dais in the midst of a 
great open space of polished rock, was the Asika, 
or so he gathered from her gold breastplate and 
sparkling garments, for her fierce and beautiful 
features were hid beneath an object familiar enough 
to him, the yellow, crystal-eyed mask of Little 
Bonsa. Arranged in companies about and behind 
her were hundreds of people, male and female, clad 
in hideous costumes to resemble demons, with masks 
to match. Some of these masks were semi-human 
and some of them bore a likeness to the heads of ani- 
mals and had horns on them, while their wearers 
were adorned with skins and tails. To describe 
them in their infinite variety would be impossible ; 
indeed the recollection that Alan carried away was 
one of a mediseval hell as it is occasionally to be 
found portrayed upon “ Doom pictures ’’ in old 
churches. 

On the further side of the water the entire Asiki 
people seemed to be gathered, at least there were 
thousands of them seated upon a rising rocky slope 
as in an amphitheatre, clad only in the ordinary 
costume of the West African native, and in some 
instances in linen cloaks. This great amphitheatre 
was surrounded by a high wall with gates, but in 
the moonlight he found it difiicult to discern its 
exact limits. 

Jeeki nudged Alan and pointed to the centre of 
the canal or pool. He looked and saw floating there 
a huge and hideous golden head, twenty times as 
large as life perhaps, with great prominent eyes 
that glared up to the sky. Its appearance was quite 
unlike anything else in the world, more loathsome, 
more horrible, man, fish and animal, all seemed 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 205 

to have their part in it, human hair and teeth, fish- 
like eyes and snout, bestial expression. 

Big Bonsa,’’ whispered Jeeki. Just the same 
as when I sweet little boy. — He live there for thou- 
sand of years. 

Preceded by the Mungana and followed by Jeeki 
and the priests, the band bringing up the rear, Alan 
was marched down a lane left open for him till he 
came to some steps leading to the dais, upon which 
in addition to that occupied by the Asika, stood two 
empty chairs. These steps the Mungana motioned 
to him to mount, but when Jeeki tried to follow 
him he turned and struck him contemptuously in 
the face. At once the Asika, who was watching 
Vernon’s approach through the eye-holes in the 
Little Bonsa mask, said fiercely: 

Who bade you strike the servant of my guest, 
O Mungana? Let him come also that he may stand 
behind us and interpret.” 

Her wretched husband, who knew that this pub- 
lic slight was put upon him purposely, but did not 
dare to protest against it, bowed his head. Then 
all three of them climbed to the dais, the priests 
and the musicians remaining below. 

Welcome, Vernoon,” said the Asika through 
the lips of the mask, which to Alan, notwithstand- 
ing the dreadful cruelty of its expression, looked 
less hateful than the lovely, tigrish face it hid. 

Welcome and be seated here on my left hand, 
since on my right you may not sit — as yet.” 

He bowed and took the chair to which she 
pointed, while her husband placed himself in the 
other chair upon her right, and Jeeki stood behind, 
his great shape towering above them all. 

This is a festival of my people, Vernoon,” she 
went on, such a festival as has not been seen for 


206 


THE YELLOW GOD 


years, celebrated because Little Bonsa has come 
back to them.’^ 

What is to happen? he asked uneasily. I 
have told you, Lady, that blood is orunda to me. I 
must not witness it.’’ 

I know, be not afraid,” she answered. Sacri- 
fice there must be, since it is the custom and we 
may not defraud the gods, but you shall not see 
the deed. Judge from this, Vernoon, hgw greatly I 
desire to please you.” 

Now Alan, looking about him, saw that immedi- 
ately beneath the dais and between them and the 
edge of the water, were gathered his cannibal 
friends, the Ogula and Fahni their chief who had 
rowed him to Asiki-land, and with them the messen- 
gers whom they had sent on ahead. Also he saw that 
their arms were tied behind them and that they 
were guarded by men dressed like devils and armed 
with spears. 

Ask Fahni why he and his people are bound, 
Jeeki,” said Alan, and why they have not returned 
to their own country.” 

Jeeki obeyed, putting the question in the Ogula 
language, whereon the poor men turned and began 
to implore Alan to save their lives, Fahni adding 
that he had been told they were to be killed that 
night. 

<< Why are these men to be slain? ” asked Alan of 
the Asika. 

Because I have learned that they attacked you 
in their own country, Vernoon,” she answered, 
and would have killed you had it not been for 
Little Bonsa, it is therefore right that they should 
die as an offering to you.” 

I refuse the offering since afterwards they 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 207 

dealt well with me. Set them free and let them 
return to their own land, Asika.^^ 

That cannot be,^’ she replied coldly. Here 
they are and here they remain. Still, their lives 
are yours to take or to spare, so keep them as your 
servants if you will,^’ and bending down she is- 
sued a command which was instantly obeyed, for 
the men dressed like devils cut the bonds of the 
Ogula and brought them round to the back of the 
dais, where they stood blessing Alan loudly in their 
own tongue. 

Then the ceremonies began with a kind of infer- 
nal ballet. On the smooth space between them and 
the water’s edge appeared male and female bands of 
dancers who emerged from the shadows. For the 
most part they were dressed up like animals and 
imitated the cries of the beasts that they repre- 
sented, although some of them wore no clothing 
whatsoever. To the sound of wild music of horns 
and drums these creatures danced a kind of insane 
quadrille which seemed to suggest everything that 
is cruel and vile upon the earth. They danced and 
danced there in the moonlight till the madness 
spread from them to the thousands who were 
gathered upon the further side of the water, for 
presently all of these began to dance also. Nor 
did it stop there, since at length the Asika rose from 
her chair upon the dais and joined in the perform- 
ance with the Mungana her husband. Even Jeeki 
began to prance and shout behind, so that at last 
Alan and the Ogula alone remained still and 
silent in the midst of a scene and a noise which 
might have been that of hell let loose. 

Leaving go of her husband, the Asika bounded 
up to Alan and tried to drag him from his chair, 


208 


THE YELLOW GOD 


thrusting her gold mask against his mask. He re- 
fused to move and after a while she left him and re- 
turned to Mungana. Louder and louder brayed the 
music and beat the drums, wilder and wilder grew 
the shrieks. Individuals fell exhausted and were 
thrown into the water where they sank or floated 
away on the slow moving stream, as part of some 
inexplicable play that was being enacted. 

Then suddenly the Asika stood still and threw up 
her arms, whereon all the thousands present stood 
still also. Again she threw up her arms and they 
fell upon their faces and lay as though they w^ere 
dead. A third time she threw up her arms and 
they rose and remained so silent that the only 
sound to be heard was that of their thick breathing. 
Then she spoke, or rather screamed, saying : 

Little Bonsa has come back again, bringing 
with her the white man whom she led away,’’ and 
all the audience answered, Little Bonsa has come 
back again. Once more we see her on the head of 
the Asika as our fathers did. Give her a sacriflce. 
Give her the white man.” 

“ Nay,” she screamed back, the white man is 
mine. I name him as the next Mungana.” 

Oho ! ” roared the audience, Oho ! she names 
him as the next Mungana. Good-bye, old Mungana ! 
Greeting, new Mungana! When will be the mar- 
riage feast? ” 

Tell us, Mungana, tell us,” cried the Asika, pat- 
ting her wretched husband on the cheek. Tell us 
when you mean to die, as you are bound to do.” 

On the night of the second full moon from now,” 
he answered, with a terrible groan that seemed to 
be wrung out of his heavy heart; on that night my 
soul will be eaten up and my day done. But till 
then I am lord of the Asika, and if she forgets it, 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 209 

death shall be her portion, according to the ancient 
law.’’ 

Yes, yes,” shouted the multitude, death shall 
be her portion, and her lover we will sacrifice. 
Die in honour, Mungana, as all those died that went 
before you.” 

Thank Heaven ! ” muttered Alan to himself, I 
am safe from that witch for the next two months,” 
and through the eye-holes of his mask he contem- 
plated her with loathing and alarm. 

At the moment, indeed, she was not a pleasing 
spectacle, for in the heat and excitement of her 
mad dance she had cast off her gold breast-plate 
or stomacher, leaving herself naked except for her 
kirtle and the thin, gold-spangled robe upon her 
shoulders over which streamed her black, disor- 
dered hair. Contrasting strangely in the silver 
moonlight with her glistening, copper-coloured 
body, the mask of Little Bonsa on her head glared 
round with its fixed crystal eyes and fiendish smile 
as she turned her long neck from side to side. Seen 
thus she scarcely looked human, and Alan’s heart 
was filled with pity for the poor bedizened wretch 
she named her husband, who had just been forced 
to announce the date of his own suicide. 

Soon, however, he forgot it, for a new act in the 
drama had begun. Two priests clad in horns and 
tails leapt on to the dais and at a signal unlaced 
the mask of Little Bonsa. Now the Asika lifted it 
from her streaming face and held it on high, then 
she lowered it to the level of her breast, and hold- 
ing it in both hands, walked to the edge of the dais, 
whereon priests, disguised as fiends, began to leap 
at it, striving to reach it with their fingers and 
snatch it from her grasp. One by one they leapt 
with the most desperate energy, each man being al- 


210 


THE YELLOW GOD 


lowed to make three attempts, and Alan noted that 
this novel jumping competition was watched with 
the deepest interest by all the audience, at the time 
he knew not why. 

The first two were evidently elderly men who 
failed to come anywhere near the mark. Their 
failure was received with shouts of derision. They 
sank exhausted to the ground and from the motion 
of his body Alan could see that one of them was 
weeping, while the other remained sullenly silent. 
Then a younger man advanced and at the third 
try almost grasped the fetish. Indeed he would 
have grasped it had he not met with foul play, for 
the Xsika, seeing that he was about to succeed, 
lifted it an inch or two, so that he also missed and 
with a groa^ joined the band of the defeated. Next 
appeared a fourth priest, even more horribly ar- 
rayed than those who went before him, but Alan 
noticed that his mask was of the lightest, and that 
his garments consisted chiefiy of paint, the main 
idea of his make-up being that of a skeleton. He 
was a thin active fellow, and all the watching thou- 
sands greeted him with a shout. For a few sec- 
onds he stood back gazing at the mask as a wolf 
might at an unapproachable bone. Then suddenly 
he ran forward and sprang into the air. Such an 
amazing jump Alan had never seen before. So high 
was it indeed that his head came level with that of 
the fetish, which he snatched with both ands, tear- 
ing it from the Asika’s grasp. Coming to the 
ground again with a thud, he began to caper to and 
fro, kissing the mask, while the audience shouted : 

Little Bonsa has chosen. What fate for the 
fallen? Ask her, priest? ” 

The man stopped his capering and held the 
mouth of Little Bonsa to his ear, nodding from 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 211 

time to time as though she were speaking to him 
and he heard what she said. Then he passed round 
the dais where Alan could not see him, and pres- 
ently reappeared holding Little Bonsa in his right 
hand and in his left a great gold cup. A silence 
fell upon the place. He advanced to the first 
man who had jumped and offered him the cup. He 
turned his head away, but a thousand voices thun- 
dered Drink I Then he took it and drank, pass- 
ing it to a companion in misfortune, who in turn 
drank also and gave it to the third priest, he who 
would have snatched the mask had not the Asika 
lifted it out of his reach. 

This man drained it to the dregs, and with an 
exclamation of rage dashed the empty vessel into 
the face of the chosen priest with such fury that 
the man rolled upon the ground and for a while lay 
there stunned. Now he who had drunk first be- 
gan to spring about in a ludicrous fashion, and 
presently was joined in his dance by the other two. 
So absurd were their motions and clownlike grim- 
aces and tumblings, for they had dragged off their 
masks, that roars of brutal laughter rose from the 
audience, in which the Asika joined. 

At first Alan thought that the thing was a joke, 
and that the men had merely been made mad 
drunk, till catching sight of their eyes in the moon- 
light, he perceived that they were in great pain 
and turned indignantly to remonstrate with the 
Asika. 

Be silent, Vernoon,’’ she said savagely, blood 
is your orunda and I respect it. Therefore by de- 
cree of the god these die of poison,’^ and again 
she fell to laughing at the contortions of the vic- 
tims. 

Alan shut his eyes, and when at length, drawn 


212 


THE YELLOW GOD 


by some fearful fascination, he opened them once 
more, it was to see that the three poor creatures 
had thrown themselves into the water, where they 
rolled over and over like wounded porpoises, till 
presently they sank and vanished there. 

This farce, for so they considered it, being ended 
and the stage, so to speak, cleared, the audience 
having laughed itself hoarse, set itself to watch 
the procedings of the newly chosen high-priest of 
Little Bonsa, who by now had recovered from the 
blow dealt to him by one of the murdered men. 
With the help of some other priests he was engaged 
in binding the fetish on to a little raft of reeds. 
This done he laid himself flat upon a broad plank 
which had been laid ready for him at the edge of 
the water, placing the mask in front of him and 
with a few strokes of his feet that hung over the 
sides of the plank, paddled himself out to the cen- 
tre of the canal where the god called Big Bonsa 
floated, or was anchored. Having reached it he 
pushed the little raft off the plank into the water, 
and in some way that Alan could not see, made it 
fast to Big Bonsa, so that now the two of them 
floated one behind the other. Then while the peo- 
ple cheered, shouting out that husband and wife 
had come together again at last, he paddled his 
plank back to the water’s edge, sat down and 
waited. 

Meanwhile, at some sign from the Asika, all the 
scores of priests and priestesses who were dressed 
as devils had filed off to right and left, and van- 
ished, presumably to cross the water by bridges or 
boats that were out of sight. At any rate now they 
began to appear upon its further side and to wind 
their way singly among the thousands of the Asiki 
people who were gathered upon the rocky slope 


THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 213 

beyond in order to witness this fearsome enter- 
tainment. Alan observed that the spectators did 
not appear to appreciate the arrival amongst them 
of these priests, from whom they seemed to edge 
away. Indeed many of them rose and tried to 
depart altogether, only to be driven back to their 
places by a double line of soldiers armed with 
spears, who now for the first time became visible, 
ringing in the audience. Also other soldiers and 
with them bodies of men who looked like execu- 
tioners, showed themselves upon the further brink 
of the water and then marched off, disappearing to 
left and right. 

WhaFs the matter now? Alan asked of Jeeki 
over his shoulder. 

All in blue funk,” whispered Jeeki back^ joke 
done. Get to business now. Silly fools forget that 
when they laugh so much. Both Bonsas very hun- 
gry and Asika want wipe out old scores. Pres- 
ently you see.” 

Presently Alan did see, for at some preconcerted 
signal the devil priests, each of them, jumped with 
a yell at a person near to them, gripping him or 
her by the hair, whereon assistants rushed in and 
dragged them down to the bank of the canal. Here 
to the number of a hundred or more, a wailing 
struggling mass, they were confined in a pen like 
sheep. Then a l3ar was lifted and one of them al- 
lowed to escape, only to find himself in a kind of 
gangway which ran down into shallow water. Be- 
ing forced along this he came to an open space of 
water exactly opposite to the fioating fetishes, and 
there was kept a while by men armed with spears. 
As nothing happened they lifted their spears and 
the man bolted up an incline and was lost among 
the thousands of spectators. 


214 


THE YELLOW GOD 


The next one, evidently a person of rank, was 
not so fortunate. Jumping into the pool off the 
gangway, he stood there like a sheep about to be 
washed, the water reaching up to his middle. Then 
Alan saw a terrible thing, for suddenly the horrid, 
golden head of Big Bonsa, towing Little Bonsa 
behind it, began to swim with a deliberate motion 
across the stream until, reaching the man, it seemed 
to rear itself up and poke him with its snout in the 
chest as a turtle might do. Then it sank again 
into the water and slowly floated back to its station, 
directed by some agency or power that Alan could 
not discover. 

At the touch of the god the man screamed like a 
horse in pain or terror, and soldiers leaping on him 
with a savage shout, dragged him up another gang- 
way opposite to that by which he had descended, 
whereon, to all appearance more dead than alive, 
he departed into the shadows. The horns and 
drums set up a bray of triumph, the Asika clapped 
her hands approvingly, the spectators cheered, and 
another victim was bundled down the gangway and 
submitted to the judgment of the Bonsa, which 
came at him like a hungry pike at a frog. Then 
followed more and more, some being chosen and 
some let go, till at last, growing weary, the priests 
directed the soldiers to drive the prisoners down in 
batches until the pen in the water was full as 
though with huddled sheep. If the Horrible golden 
masks swam at them and touched one of their num- 
ber, they were all dragged away ; if these remained 
quiescent they were let go. 

So the thing went on until at length Alan could 
bear no more of it. 

Lady,’’ he said to the Asika when she paused 


1 

THE FEAST OF LITTLE BONSA 215 

for a moment from her hand-clapping, I am wearj^, 
I would sleep.’’ 

“ What ! ” she exclaimed, do you wish to sleep 
on such a glorious night when so many evil doers 
are coming to their just doom? Well, well, go if 
you will, for then my promise is off me and I 
can hasten this business and deal with the wicked 
before the people according to our custom. Good- 
night to you, Vernoon, to-morrow we will meet,” 
and she called to some priests to lead him away, 
and with him the Ogula cannibals whom she had 
given to him as servants. 

Alan went thankfully enough. As he plunged 
into one of the passages the sound of frightful 
yelling reached his ears, followed by loud, trium- 
phant shouts. 

Now you gone they kill those who Bonsa smell 
out,” said Jeeki. “Why you no wait and see? 
Very interesting sight.” 

“ Hold your tongue,” answered Alan savagely. 
“ Did you think so years ago when you were put 
into that pen to be butchered? ” 

“ No, Major,” replied the unabashed Jeeki, “ not 
think at all then, too far gone. But see other peo- 
ple in there and know it not you, quite different 
matter.” 

They reached their room. At the door of it Fahni 
and his followers were led off to some quarters near 
by, blessing Alan as they went because he had 
saved their lives. 

“ Jeeki,” he said when they were alone, “ tell 
me, what makes that hellish idol swim about in the 
water picking out some people and leaving others 
alone? ” 

“ Major, I not know, no one know except head 
priest and Asika. Perhaps there man underneath, 


216 


THE YELLOW GOD 


perhaps they pull string, or perhaps fetish alive 
and he do what he like. Please don’t call him 
names, Major, or he remember and come after us 
one time, and that bad job,” and Jeeki shivered 
visibly. 

Bosh ! ” answered Alan, but all the same he 
shivered also. “ Jeeki,” he asked again,” what hap- 
pens to those people whom the Bonsas smell out? ” 

Case of good-bye. Major. Sometimes they chop 
off nut, sometimes they spiflicate in gold tub, some- 
times priest-man make hole in what white doctor 
call diagram — and shake hands with heart. — All 
matter of taste. Major, just as Asika please. If 
she like victim or they old friends, chop off heads ; 
if she not like him — do worse things.” 

More than satisfied with his information Alan 
went to bed. For hour after hour that night he 
lay tossing and turning, haunted by the recollec- 
tions of the dreadful sights that he had seen and 
of the horrible Asika, beautiful and half-naked, 
glaring at him amorously through the crystal eyes 
of Little Bonsa. When at last he fell asleep it 
was to dream that he was alone in the water with 
the god which pursued him as a shark pursues 
a shipwrecked sailor. Never did he experience a 
nightmare that was half so awful. Only one thing 
could be more awful, the reality itself. 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE MOTHER OF JEEKI 

^^Jeeki/^ said Alan next morning, I tell you 
again that I have had enough of this place, I want 
to get out.’’ 

Yes, Major, that just what mouse say when 
he finish cheese in trap, but missus come along, 
call him ^ Pretty, pretty,’ and drown him all the 
same,” and he nodded in the direction of the Asika’s 
house. 

Jeeki, it has got to be done — do you hear me? 
I had rather die trying to get away than stop 
here till the next two months are up. If I am here 
on the night of the next full moon but one, I shall 
shoot that Asika and then shoot myself, and you 
must take your chance. Do you understand? ” 

Understand that foolish game and poor look- 
out for Jeeki, Major, but can’t think of any plan.” 
Then he rubbed his big nose refiectively and added, 

Fahni and his people your slaves now, ’spose we 
have talk with him. I tell priests to bring him 
along when they come with breakfast. Leave it 
to me. Major.” 

Alan did leave it to him, Avith the result that 
after long argument the priests consented or ob- 
tained permission to produce Fahni and his fol- 
lowers, and a little wdiile after the great men 
arrived looking very dejected, and saluted Alan 
humbly. Bidding the rest of them be seated, he 
called Fahni to the end of the room and asked him 

217 


218 THE YELLOW GOD 

through Jeeki if he and his men did not wish to 
return home. 

Indeed we do, white lord,^’ answered the old 
chief, but how can we? The Asika has a grudge 
against our tribe and but for you would have killed 
every one of us last night. We are snared and 
must stop here till we die.’’ 

Would not your people help you if they knew, 
Fahni? ” 

Yes, lord, I think so. But how can I tell them 
who doubtless believe us dead? Nor c^n I send a 
messenger, for this place is guarded and he would 
be killed at once. We came here for your sake be- 
cause you had Little Bonsa, a god that is known 
in the east and the west, in the north and the 
south, and because you saved me from the lion, and 
here, alas! we must perish.” 

Jeeki,” said Alan, can you not find a messen- 
ger? Have you, who were born of this people, 
no friend among them all?” 

Jeeki shook his white head and rolled his eyes. 
Then suddenly an idea struck him. 

Yes,” he said, I think one, p’raps. I mean 
my ma.” 

Your ma!” said Alan. ^^Oh! I remember. 
Have you heard anything more about, her? ” 

“ Yes, Major. Very old girl now, but strong on 
leg, so they say. Believe she glad go anywhere, 
because she public nuisance; they tired of her in 
prison and there no workhouse here, so they want 
turn her out starve, which of course break my 
heart. Perhaps she take message. Some use that 
way. Only think she afraid go Ogula-land because 
they nasty cannibal and eat old woman.” 

When all this was translated to Fahni he assured 
Jeeki with earnestness that nothing would induce 


THE MOTHER OF JEEK 219 

the Ogula people to eat his ma; moreover, that for 
her sake they would never look carnivorously on 
another old woman, fat or thin. 

Well,’’ said Jeeki, I try again to get hold of 
old lady and we see. I pray priests let her out of 
chokey as I sick to fall upon bosom, which quite 
true, only so much to think of that no time to 
attend to domestic relations till now.” 

That very afternoon, on returning to his room 
from walking in the dismal cedar garden, Alan’s 
ears were greeted by a sound of shrill quarrelling. 
Looking up he saw an extraordinary sight. A tall, 
gaunt, withered female who might have been of any 
age between sixty and a hundred, had. got Jeeki’s 
ear in one hand, and with the other was slapping 
him in the face while she exclaimed: 

“ O thief, whom by the curse of Bonsa I brought 
into the world, what have you done with my blan- 
ket? Was it not enough that you, my only son, 
should leave me to earn my own living? Must you 
also take my best blanket with you, for which rea- 
son I have been cold ever since. Where is it, thief, 
where is it? ” 

‘^Worn out, my mother, worn out,” he answered, 
trying to free himself. You forget, honourable 
mother, that I grow old and you should have been 
dead years ago. How can you expect a blanket to 
last so long? Leave go of my ear, beloved mother, 
and I will give you another. I have travelled 
across the world to find you and I want to hear 
news of your husband.” 

“ My husband, thief, which husband? Do you 
mean your father, the one with the broken nose, 
who was sacrificed because you ran away with 
the white man whom Bonsa loved? Well, you look 
out for him when you get into the world of ghosts, 


220 


THE YELLOW GOD 


for he said that he was going to wait for you there 
with the biggest stick that he could find. Why I 
haven’t thought of him for years, but then I have 
had three other husbands since his time, bad enough, 
but better than he was, so who would? And now 
Bonsa has got the lot, and I have no children alive, 
and they say I am to be driven out of the prison 
to starve next week as they won’t feed me any 
longer, I who can still work against any one of 
them, and you’ve got my blanket, you ugly old 
rascal,” and collapsing beneath the weight of her 
recited woes, the hag burst into a melancholy howl. 

Peace, my mother,” said Jeeki, patting her on 
the head. Do what I tell you and you shall have 
more blankets than you can wear, and, as you are 
still so handsome, another husband too if you like, 
and a garden and slaves to work for you and plenty 
to eat.” 

How shall I get all these things, my son? ” 
asked the old woman, looking up. “ Will you take 
me to your home and support me, or will that white 
lord marry me? They told me that the Asika had 
named him as the Mungana, and she is very jealous, 
the most jealous Asika that I have ever known.” 

No, mother, he would like to, but he dare not, 
and I cannot support you as I should wish, as 
here I have no house or property. You .will get all 
this by taking a walk and holding your tongue. 
You see this man here, he is Fahni, king of a great 
tribe, the Ogula. He wants you to carry a mes- 
sage for him, and by and by he will marry you, 
won’t you, Fahni? ” 

Oh ! yes, yes,” said Fahni ; I will do anything 
she likes. No one shall be so rich and honoured 
in my country, and for her sake we will never 
eat another old woman, whereas if she stays here 


THE MOTHEE OF JEEK 221 

she will be driven to the mountains to starve in a 
week.” 

Set out the matter,” said the Mother of Jeeki, 
who was by no means so foolish as she seemed. 

So they told her what she must do, namely, 
travel down to the Ogula and tell them of the plight 
of their chief, bidding them muster all their fight- 
ing men and when the swamps were drj enough, 
advance as near as they dared to the Asiki country 
and, if they could not attack it, wait till they had 
further news. 

The end of it was that Mother of Jeeki, who 
knew her case to be desperate at home, where 
she was in no good repute, promised to attempt 
the journey in consideration of advantages to be 
received. Since she was to be turned adrift to 
meet her fate with as much food as she could 
carry, this she could do without exciting any sus- 
picion, for who would trouble about the movements 
of a useless old thief? Meanwhile Jeeki gave her 
one of the robes which the Asika had provided for 
Alan, also various articles which she desired and, 
having learned Fahni’s message by heart and an- 
nounced that she considered herself his affianced 
bride, the gaunt old creature departed happy 
enough after exchanging embraces with her long- 
lost son. 

She will tell somebody all about it and we 
shall only get our throats cut,” said Alan wearily, 
for the whole thing seemed to him a foolish farce. 

No, no. Major. I make her swear not split on 
ghosts of all her husbands and by Big Bonsa his- 
self. She sit tight as wax, because she think they 
haunt her if she don’t and I too by and by when I 
dead. P’raps she get to Ogula country and p’raps 
not. If she don’t, can’t help it and no harm done. 


222 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Break my heart, but only one old woman less. 
Anyhow she hold tongue, that main point, and I 
really very glad find my ma, who never hoped to 
see again. Heaven very kind to Jeeki, give him 
back to family bosom,’’ he added, unctuously. 

That day there were no excitements, and to Alan’s 
intense relief he saw nothing of the Asika. After 
its orgy of witchcraft and bloodshed on the previous 
night, weariness and silence seemed to have fallen 
upon the town. At any rate no sound came from 
it that could be heard above the low, constant 
thunder of the great waterfall rushing down its 
precipice, and in the cedar-shadowed garden where 
Alan walked till he was weary, attended by Jeeki 
and the Ogula savages, not a soul was to be seen. 

On the following morning, when he was sitting 
moodily in his room, two priests came to conduct 
him to the Asika. Having no choice, followed by 
Jeeki, he accompanied them to her house, masked 
as usual, for without this hateful disguise he was 
not allowed to stir. He found her lying upon a 
pile of cushions in a small room that he had never 
seen before, which was better lighted than most in 
that melancholy abode, and seemed to serve as her 
private chamber. In front of her lay the skin of 
the lion that he had sent as a present, and about 
her throat hung a necklace made of its claws, 
heavily set in gold, with which she was playing idly. 

At the opening of the door she looked up with a 
swift smile that turned to a frown when she saw 
that he was followed by Jeeki. 

Say, Vernoon,” she asked in her languorous 
voice, “ can you not stir a yard without that ugly 
black dog at your heels? Do you bring him to pro- 
tect you? If so, what is the need? Have I not 
sworn that you are safe in my land? ” 


THE MOTHER OF JEEK 223 

Alan made Jeeki interpret this speech, then an- 
swered that the reason was that he knew but little 
of her tongue. 

Can I not teach it to you alone, then, without 
this low fellow hearing all my words? Well, it will 
not be for long,” and she looked at Jeeki in a way 
that made him feel very uncomfortable. Get be- 
hind us, dog, and you, Vernoon, come sit , on these 
cushions at my side. Nay, not there, I said upon 
the cushions — so. Now I will take off that ugly 
mask of yours, for I would look into your eyes. I 
find them pleasant, Vernoon,” and without waiting 
for his permission, she sat up and did so. Ah ! ” 
she went on, we shall be happy when we are mar- 
ried, shall we not? Do not be afraid, Vernoon, 
I will not eat out your heart as I have those of the 
men that went before you. We will live together 
until we are old, and die together at last, and to- 
gether be born again, and so on and on till the end 
which even I cannot foresee. Why do you not smile, 
Vernoon, and say that you are pleased, and that 
you will be happy .with me w^ho loved you from 
the moment that my eyes fell upon you in sleep? 
Speak, Vernoon, lest I should grow angry with 
you.” 

I don’t know what to say,” answered Alan de- 
spairingly through Jeeki, the honour is too great 
for me, who am but a w^andering trader who came 
here to barter Little Bonsa against the gold I 
need ” — to support my wife and family, he was 
about to add, then remembering that this statement 
might not be well received, substituted, to sup- 
port my old parents and eight brothers and sisters 
who are dependent upon me, and remain hungry 
until I return to them.” 

Then I think they will remain hungry a long 


224 


THE YELLOW GOD 


time, Vernoon, for while I live you shall never 
return. Much as I love you 1 would kill you first, 
and her eyes glittered as she said the words. 
“ Still,’’ she added, noting the fall in his face, “ if 
it is gold that they need, you shall send it them. 
Yes, my people shall take all that I gave you down 
to the coast, and there it can be piit in a big canoe 
and carried across the water. See to the packing 
of the stuff, you black dog,” she said to Jeeki over 
her shoulder, and when it is ready I will send it 
hence.” 

Alan began to thank her, though he thought it 
more than probable that even if she kept her word, 
this bullion would never get to Old Calabar, and 
much less to England. But she waived the matter 
aside as one in which she was not interested. 

Tell me,” she asked ; would you have me 
other than I am? First, do you think me beauti- 
ful?” 

Yes,” answered Alan honestly, very beautiful 
when you are quiet as now, not when you are danc- 
ing as you diets the other night without your robes.” 

When she understood what he meant the Asika 
actually blushed a little. 

I am sorry,” she answered in a voice that for 
her was quite humble. “ I forget that it might 
seem strange in your eyes. It has always been the 
custom for the Asika to do as I did at feasts and 
sacrifices, but perhaps that is not the fashion among 
your women; perhaps they always remain veiled, 
as I have heard the worshippers of the Prophet do, 
and therefore you thought me immodest. I am 
very, very sorry, Vernoon. I pray you to forgive 
me who am ignorant and only do what I have been 
taught.” 

Yes, they always remain veiled,” stammered 


THE MOTHEE OF JEEK 225 

Alan, though he was not referring to their faces, 
and as the words passed his lips he wondered what 
the Asika would think if she could see a ballet at 
a London music-hall. 

Is there anything else wrong? she went on 
gently. If so, tell me that I may set it right.’’ 

I do not like cruelty or sacrifices, .0 Asika. 
I have told you that bloodshed is orunda to me, 
and at the feast those men were poisoned and you 
mocked them in their pain; also many others were 
taken away to be killed for no crime.” 

She opened her beautiful eyes and stared at him, 
answering : 

^^But, Vernoon, all this is not my fault; they 
were sacrifices to the gods, and if I did not sacri- 
fice, I should be sacrificed by the priests and wizards 
who live to sacrifice. Yes, myself I should be made 
to drink the poison and be mocked at while I died, 
like a snake with a broken back. Or even if I es- 
cape the vengeance of the people, the gods them- 
selves would kill me and raise up another in my 
place. Do they not sacrifice in your country, Ver- 
noon? ” 

No, Asika, they fight if necessary and kill those 
who commit murder. But they have no fetish that 
asks for blood, and the law they have from heaven 
is a law of mercy.” 

She stared at him again. 

All this is strange to me,” she said. I was 
taught otherwise. Gods are devils and must be 
appeased, 1 lest they bring misfortune on us; men 
must be ruled by terror, or they would rebel and 
pull down the great House; doctors must learn 
magic, or how would they avert spells? wizards 
must be killed, or the people would perish in their 
net. May not we who live in a hell, strive to beat 


226 


THE YELLOW GOD 


back its flames with the wisdom our forefathers 
have handed on to us? Tell me, Vernoon, for I 
would know/^ 

You make your own hell/^ answered Alan when 
with the help of Jeeki he understood her talk. 

She pondered over his words for a while, then 
said : 

I must think. The thing is big. I wander in 
blackness ; I will speak with you again. Say now, 
what else is wrong with me? 

Now Alan thought that he saw opportunity for 
a word in season and made a great mistake. 

I think that you treat your husband, that man 
whom you call Mungana, very badly. Why should 
you drive him to his death? 

At these words the Asika leapt up in a rage, and 
seeking something to vent her temper on, violently 
boxed Jeeki ears and kicked him with her sandalled 
foot. 

The Mungana ! ” she exclaimed, that beast ! 
What have I to do with him? I hate him, as I hated 
the others. The priests thrust him on me. He has 
had his day, let him go. In your country do they 
make women live with men whom they loathe? I 
love you, Bonsa himself knows why? Perhaps be- 
cause you have a white skin and white thoughts. 
But I hate that man. What is the use of being 
Asika if I cannot take what I love and reject what 
I hate? Go away, Vernoon, go away, you have an- 
gered me, and if it were not for what you have 
said about that new law of mercy, I think that I 
would cut your throat,’’ and again she boxed Jeeki’s 
ears and kicked him on the shins. 

Alan rose and bowed himself towards the door 
while she stood with her back towards him, sobbing. 
As he was about to pass it she wheeled round. 


THE MOTHER OF JEEK 227 

wiping the tears from her eyes with her hand, and 
said : 

I forgot, I sent for you to thank you for your 
presents; that,’’ and she pointed to the lion skin, 
which they tell me you killed with some kind 
of thunder to save the life of that old cannibal, and 
this,” and she pulled off the necklace of claws, 
then added, as I am too bad to wear it, you had 
better take it back again,” and she threw it with all 
her strength straight into Jeeki’s face. 

Fearing worse things, the much maltreated Jeeki 
uttered a howl and bolted through the door, while 
Alan, picking up the necklace, returned it to her 
with a bow. She took it. 

Stop,” she said. You are leaving the room 
without your mask and my women are outside. 
Come here,” and she tied the thing upon his head, 
setting it all awry, then pushed him from the 
room. 

Very poor joke. Major, very poor indeed,” said 
Jeeki when they had reached their own apartment. 

Lady make love to you; you play prig and lecture 
lady about holy customs of her country and she 
box my ear till head sing, also kick me all over and 
throw sharp claws in face. Please you do it no 
more. The next time, who know? she stick knife 
in my gizzard, then kiss you afterward and say she 
so sorry and hope she no hurt you. But how that 
help poor departed Jeeki who get all kicks, while 
you have ha’pence? ” 

Oh ! be quiet,” said Alan ; you are welcome to 
the halfpence if you would only leave me the kicks. 
The question is, how am I to get out of this mess? 
While she was a beautiful savage devil, one could 
deal with the thing, but if she is going to become 
human it is another matter.” 


228 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Jeeki looked at him with pity in his eyes. 

Always thought white man mad at bottom,’^ 
he said, shaking his big head. To benighted black 
nigger thing so very simple. All yon got to do, 
make love and cut when you get chance. Then she 
pleased as Punch, everything go smooth and Jeeki 
get no more kicks. Christian religion business 
very good, but won’t wash in Asiki-land. Your 
reverend uncle find out that.” 

Not wishing to pursue the argument, Alan 
changed the subject by asking his indignant re- 
tainer if he thought that the Asika had meant what 
she said when she offered to send the gold down to 
the coast. 

Why not. Major? That good lady always mean 
what she say, and what she do too,” and he dabbed 
wrathfully at the scratches made by the lion’s claws 
on his face, then added, She know her own mind, 
not like shilly-shally, see-saw white woman, who 
get up one thing and go to bed another. If she say 
she send gold, she send it, though pity to part with 
all that cash, because ’spect someone bag it.” 

Alan refiected a while. 

Don’t you see, Jeeki, that here is a chance, if 
a very small one, of getting a message to the coast. 
Also it is quite clear that if we are ever able to 
escape, it will be impossible for us to carry this 
heavy stuff, whereas if we send it on ahead, perhaps 
some of it might get through. We will pack it up, 
Jeeki, at any rate it will be something to do. Go 
now and send a message to the Asika, and ask her 
to let us have some carpenters, and a lot of well- 
seasoned wood.” 

The message was sent and an hour later a dozen 
of the native craftsmen arrived with their rude 
tools and a supply of planks cut from a kind of 


THE MOTHER OF JEEK 229 

iron* wood or ebony tree. They prostrated them- 
selves to Alan, then the master of them rising, 
instantly began to measure Jeeki with a marked 
reed. That worthy sprang back and asked what 
in the name of .Bonsa, Big and Little, they were 
doing, whereon the man explained with humility 
that the Asika had said that she thought the white 
lord wanted the wood to make a box to bury his 
servant in, as he, the said servant, had offended 
her that morning, and doubtless the white lord 
wished to kill him on that account, or perhaps to 
put him away under ground alive. 

Oh, my golly said Jeeki, shaking till his 
great knees knocked together, oh ! my golly ! here 
pretty go. She think you want bury me all alive. 
That mean she want to be rid of Jeeki, because 
he got sit there and play gooseberry when she wish 
talk alone with you. Oh, ves ! I see her little game.’’ 

Well, Jeeki,” said Alan, bursting into such a 
roar of laughter that he nearly shook off* his mask, 
^^you had better be careful, for you just told me 
that the Asika is not like a see-saw white w^oman 
and never changes her mind. Say to this man that 
he must tell the Asika there is a mistake, and that 
however much I should like to oblige her, I can’t 
bury you because it has been prophesied to me that 
on the day you are buried, I shall be buried also, 
and that therefore you must be kept alive.” 

Capital notion that. Major,” said Jeeki, much 
relieved. She not want bury you just at present; 
next year perhaps, but not now. I tell him.” And 
he did with much vigour. 

This slight misconception having been disposed 
of, they explained to the carpenters what was 
wanted. First, all the gold was emptied out of 
the sacks in which it remained as the priests had 


230 


THE YELLOW GOD 


brought it, and divided into heaps, each of which 
weighed about forty pounds, a weight that with its 
box Alan considered would be a good load for a 
porter. Of these heaps there proved to be fifty- 
three, their total value, Alan reckoned, amounting 
to about £100,000 sterling. Then the carpenters 
were set to work to make a model box, which they 
did quickly enough and with great ingenuity, cut- 
ting the wood with their native saws, dovetailing it 
as a civilized craftsman would do, and finally secur- 
ing it everywhere with ebony pegs, driven into 
holes which they bored with a hot iron. The result 
was a box that would stand any amount of rough 
usage and when finally pegged down, one that could 
only be opened with a hammer and a cold chisel. 

This box-making went on for two whole days. As 
each of them was filled and pegged down, the gold 
within being packed in sawdust to keep it from 
rattling, Alan amused himself in adding an ad- 
dress with a feather brush and a supply of red 
paint such as the Asiki priests used to decorate 
their bodies. At first he was puzzled to know what 
address to put, but finally decided upon the fol- 
lowing : 

Major A. Vernon, care of Miss Champers, The 
Court, near Kingswell, England. Adding in the 
corner From A. Y., Asiki Land, Africa. 

It was all childish enough, he knew, yet when 
it was done he regarded his handiwork with a sort 
of satisfaction. Fo^, reflected Alan, if but one of 
those boxes should chance to get through to Eng- 
lang, it would tell Barbara a great deal, and if it 
were addressed to himself, her uncle could scarcely 
dare to take possession of it. 

Then he bethought him vof writing a letter, but 
was obliged to abandon the idea, as he had neither 


THE MOTHER OF ’ JEEK 231 

pen, pencil, ink, nor paper. Whatever arts re- 
mained to them, that of any form of writing was 
totally unknown to the Asiki. Even in the days 
when they had wrapped up the Egyptian, the Ro- 
man, and other early Munganas in sheets of gold 
and set them in their treasure-house, they had no 
knowledge of it, for not even an hieroglyphic or 
a rune appeared upon the imperishable metal 
shrouds, since that time they had evidently de- 
creased, not advanced in learning till at the present 
day, except for these relics and some dim and 
meaningless survival of rites that once had been 
religious and were still offered to the same ancient 
idols, there was little to distinguish them from 
other /tribes of Central African savages. Still Alan 
did something, for obtaining a piece of whitewood, 
which he smoothed as well as he was able with a 
knife, he painted on it this message. 

Messrs. Aston, Old Calabar. Please forward 
accompanying fifty-three packages, or as many as 
arrive, and cable as follows (all costs will be re- 
mitted) : Champers, Kingswell, England. Prisoner 
among Asiki. No present prospect of escape, but 
hope for best. Jeeki and I well. Allowed send this 
with gold, but perhaps no future message possible. 
Good-bye. Alan.’’ 

As it happened just as Alan was finishing this 
scrawl with a sad heart, he heard a movement and 
glancing up, perceived standing at his side the 
Asika, of whom he had seen nothing since the inter- 
view when she had beaten Jeeki : 

What are those marks that you make upon the 
board, Vernoon?” she asked suspiciously. 

With the assistance of Jeeki, who kept at a re- 
spectful distance, he informed her that they were 
a message in writing to tell the white men at the 


232 


THE YELLOW GOD 


coast to forward the ^old to his starving family. 

Oh ! she said, I never heard of writing. You 
shall teach it me. It will serve to pass the time 
till we are married, though it will not be of much 
use afterwards, as we shall never be separated any 
more and words are better than marks upon a 
board. But,’^ she added cheerfully, I can send 
away this black dog of yours,’^ and she looked at 
Jeeki, and he can write to us. No, I cannot, for 
an accident might happen to him, and they tell me 
you say that if he dies, you die also, so he must stop 
here always. What have you in those little boxes? ” 
The gold you gave me, Asika, packed in loads.” 
A small gift enough,” she answered contemptu- 
ously ; would you not like more, since you value 
that stuff? Well, another time you shall send all 
you want. Meanwhile the porters are waiting, fifty 
men and three, as you sent me word, and ten spare 
ones to take the place of any who die. But how 
find their way, I know not, since none of them have 
ever been to the coast.” 

An idea occurred to Alan, who had small faith 
in J eeki’s ma ” as a messenger. 

The Ogula prisoners could show them,” he said ; 

at any rate as far as the forest, and after that 
they could find out. May they not go, Asika? ” 

If you will,” she answered carelessly. Let 
them be ready to start to-morrow at the dawn, all 
except their chief, Fahni, who must stop here as a 
hostage. I do not trust those Ogula, who more 
than once have threatened to make war upon us,” 
she added, then turned and bade the priests bring 
in the bearers to receive their instructions. 

Presently they came, picked men all of them, 
under the command of an Asiki captain, and with 
them the Ogula, whom slie summoned also. 


THE MOTHER OF JEEK 233 

Go where the white lord sends you,^^ she said 
In an indif¥erent voice, “ carrying with you these 
packages. I do not know where it is, but these 
man-eaters will show j^ou some of the way, and if 
you fail in the business and live to come back again, 
you shall be sacrificed to Bonsa at the next feast; 
if you run away then your wives and children shall 
be sacrificed. Food shall be given you for your 
journey, and gold to buy more when it is gone. 
Now, Vernoon, tell them what they have to do.’’ 

So Alan, or rather Jeeki, told them, and these 
directions were so long and minute, that before they 
were finished the Asika grew tired of listening and 
went away, saying as she passed the captain of the 
company : 

Remember Gny words, man, succeed or die, but 
of your land and its secrets say nothing.” 

I hear,” answered the captain, prostrating him- 
self. 

That night Alan summoned the Ogula and spoke 
to them through Jeeki in their own language. At 
first they declared that they would not leave their 
chief, preferring to stay and die with him. 

Not so,” said Fahni; go, my children, that I 
may live. Go and gather the tribe, all the thou- 
sands of them who are men and can fight, and bring 
them up to attack Asiki-land, to rescue me if I still 
live, or to avenge me if I am dead. As for those 
bearers, do them no harm,. but send them on to the 
coast with the white man’s goods.” 

So in the end the Ogula said that they would go, 
and when Alan woke up on the following morning, 
he was informed that they and the Asiki porters 
had already departed upon their journey. Then he 
dismissed the matter from his mind, for to tell the 
truth he never expected to hear of them any more. 


CHAPTER XV 


ALAN FALLS ILL 

After the departure of the messengers a deep 
melancholy fell upon Alan, who was sure that he 
had now no further hope of communicating with the 
outside world. Bitterly did he reproach himself for 
his folly in having ever journeyed to this hateful 
place in order to secure — what? About £100,000 
worth of gold which of course he never would 
secure, as it would certainly vanish or be stolen on 
its way to the coast. For this gold he had become 
involved in a dreadful complication which would 
cost him much misery, and sooner or later life itself, 
since he could not marry that beautiful savage 
Asika, and if he refused her she would certainly 
kill him in her outraged pride and fury. 

Day by day she sent for him, and when he came, 
assumed a new character, that of a woman humbled 
by a sense of her orv\m ignorance, which she was 
anxious to amend. So he must play the role of 
tutor to her, telling her of civilized peoples, their 
laws, customs and religions, and instructing her 
how to write and read. She listened and learned 
submissively enough, but all the while Alan felt as 
one might who is called upon to teach tricks to a 
drugged panther. The drug in this case was her 
passion for him, which appeared to be very genuine. 
But when it passed off, or when he was obliged to 
refuse her, what, he wondered, would happen then? 

Anxiety and confinement told on him far more 

234 


ALAN FALLS ILL 235 

than all the hardships of his journey. His health 
ran down, he began to fall ill. Then as bad luck 
would have it, walking in that damp unhealthy 
cedar garden, out of which he might not stray, he 
contracted the germ of some kind of fever which 
in autumn was very common in this poisonous cli- 
mate. Three days later he became delirious, and 
for a week after that hung between life and death. 
Well was it for him that his medicine-chest still 
remained intact, and that recognizing his own 
symptoms before his head gave' way, he was able to 
instruct Jeeki what drugs to give him at the dif- 
ferent stages of the disease. 

For the rest his memories of that dreadful illness 
always remained yerj vague. He had visions of 
Jeeki and of a robed woman whom he knew to be 
the Asika, bending over him continually. Also it 
seemed to him that from time to time he was talking 
with Barbara, which even then he knew must be 
absurd, for how could they talk across thousands of 
miles of land and sea. 

At length his mind cleared suddenly, and he 
awoke as from a nightmare to find himself lying in 
the hall or room where he had always been, feeling 
quite cool and without pain, but so weak that it 
was an effort to him to lift his hand. He stared 
about him and was astonished to see the white head 
of Jeeki rolling uneasily to and fro upon the cush- 
ions of another bed near by. 

‘‘Jeeki,’’ he said, “ are you ill too, Jeeki? ” 

At the sound of that voice his retainer started up 
violently. 

“ What, Major, you awake? ” he said. “ Thanks 
be to all gods, white and black, yes, and yel- 
low too, for I thought you goose cooked. No, no. 
Major, I not ill, only Asika say so. You go to bed. 


236 


THE YELLOW GOD 


so she make me go to bed. You get worse, she treat 
me cruel; you seem better, she stuff me with food 
till I burst. All because you tell her that you and 
I die same day. Oh Lord ! poor Jeeki think his end 
very near just now, for he know quite well that she 
not let him breathe ten minutes after you peg out. 
Jeeki never pray so hard for anyone before as he 
pray this week for you, and by Jingo ! I think he do 
the trick, he and that medicine stuff which make 
him feel very bad in stomach,’^ and he groaned as 
under the weight of his many miseries. 

Weak as he was Alan began to laugh, and that 
laugh seemed to do him more good than anything 
that he could remember, for after it he was sure 
that he would recover. 

Just then an agonized whisper reached him from 
Jeeki. 

Look out ! it said, here come Asika. Go 
sleep and seem better. Major, please, or I catch it 
hot.” 

So Alan almost shut his eyes and lay still. In 
another moment she was standing over him and he 
noticed that her hair was dishevelled and her eyes 
were red as though with weeping. She scanned him 
intently for a little while, then passed round to 
where Jeeki lay and appeared to pinch his ear so 
hard that he wriggled and uttered a stifled groan. 

How is your lord, dog? ” she whispered. 

Better, O Asika, I think that last medicine do 
us good, though it make me very sick inside. Just 
now he spoke to me and said that he hoped that 
your heart was not sad because of him and that all 
this time in his dreams he had seen and thought 
of nobody but you, O Asika.” 

Did he? ” asked that lady, becoming intensely 
interested. Then tell me, dog, why is he ever 


ALAN FALLS ILL 237 

calling upon one Bar-bar-a? Surely that is a 
woman^s name? 

Yes, O Asika, that is the name of his mother, 
also of one of his sisters, whom, after you, he loves 
best of anyone in the whole world. When you are 
here he talks of them, but when you are not here 
he talks of no one but you. Although he is so sick 
he remembers white man’s custom, which tells him 
that it is very wrong to say sweet things to lady’s 
face till he is quite married to her. After that they 
say them always.” 

She looked at him suspiciously and muttering, 

Here it is otherwise. For your own sake, man, I 
trust that you do not lie,” left him, and drawing a 
stool up beside Alan’s bed, sat herself down and 
examined him carefully, touching his face and 
hands with her long thin fingers. Then noting how 
white and wasted he was, of a sudden she began to 
weep, saying between her sobs : 

Oh ! if you should die, Vernoon, I will die also 
and be born again not as Asika, as I have beem for 
so many generations, but as a white woman that I 
may be with you. Only first,” she added, setting 
her teeth, I will sacrifice every wizard in this land, 
for they have brought the sickness on you by their 
magic, and I will burn Bonsa-town and cast its gods 
to melt in the fiames, and the Mungana with them. 
And then amid their ashes I will let out my life,” 
and again she began to weep very piteously and to 
call him by endearing names and pray him that he 
would not die. 

Now Alan thought it time to wake up. He opened 
his eyes, stared at her vacantly, and asked if it were 
raining, which indeed it might have been, for her 
big tears were falling on his face. She uttered a 
gasp of joy. 


238 


THE YELLOW GOD 


No, no,” she answered, the weather is very 
fine. It is I — I who have rained because I thought 
you die.” She wiped his forehead with the soft 
linen of her robe, then went on, But you will not 
die ; say that you will live, say that you will live for 
me, Vernoon.” 

He looked at her, and feeble though he was, the 
awfulness of the situation sank into his soul. 

I hope that I shall live,” die answered. I am 
hungry, please give me some food.” 

Next instant there was a tumult near by, and 
when Alan looked up again it was to see Jeeki, very 
lightly clad, flying through the door. 

It will be here presently,” she said. Oh ! if 
you knew what I have suffered, (if you only knew. 
Now you will recover, whom I thought dead, for 
this fever passes quickly and there shall be such a 
sacrifice^ — no, H forgot, you hate sacrifices — there 
shall be no sacrifice, there shall be a thanksgiving, 
and every Avoman in the land shall break her bonds 
to husband or to lover and take him whom she 
desires without reproach or loss. I Avill do as I 
would be done by, that is the law you taught me, is 
it not? ” 

This novel interpretation of a sacred doctrine, 
worthy of Jeeki himself, so paralyzed Alan’s en- 
feebled brain that he < could make no answer, nor 
do anything except wonder what would happen in 
Asiki-land when the decree of its priestess took 
effect. Then Jeeki arrived with something to drink, 
which he swallowed with the eagerness of the con- 
valescent and almost immediately went to sleep in 
good earnest. 

Alan’s recovery was rapid, since as the Asika had 
told him, if a patient lives through it, the kind of 
fever that he- had taken did not last long enough to 


ALAX FALLS ILL 


239 


exhaust his vital forces. When she asked him if he 
needed anything to make him well, he answered : 

Yes, air and exercise.’^ 

She replied that he should have both, and next 
morning his hated mask was put upon his face and 
he was. supported by priests to a door where a litter, 
or rather litters were waiting, one for himself and 
another for Jeeki who, although in robust health, 
was still supposed to be officially ill. and not allowed 
to walk upon his own legs. They entered these 
litters and were borne off till presently they met a 
third litter of particularly gorgeous design carried 
by masked bearers, wherein was the Asika herself, 
wearing her coronet and a splendid robe. 

Into this litter, which was fitted with a second 
seat, Alan was transferred, the Mungana, for 
whom it was designed, being placed in that vacated 
by Alan, which, either by accident or otherwise was 
no more seen that day. They went up the mountain 
side and to the edge of the great fall and watched 
the waters thunder down, though theN crest of them 
they could not reach. Next they wandered off into 
the huge forests that clothed the slopes of the hills 
and there halted and ate. Then as the sun sank 
they returned to the gloomy Bonsa-Town beneath 
them. 

For Alan, notwithstanding his weakness and 
anxieties, it was a heavenly day. The Asika was 
passive, some new mood being on her, and scarcely 
troubled him at all except to call his attention to a 
tree, t a fiower, or a prospect of the scenery. Here 
on the mountain side, too, the air was sweet, and for 
the rest — well, he who had been so near to death, 
was escaped for an .hour from that gloomy home of 
bloodshed and superstition, and saw God’s sky 
again. 


240 


THE YELLOW GOD 


This journey ’was the first of many. Every day 
the litters were waiting, anl they visited some new 
place, although into the town itself they never went. 

' Moreover, if they passed through outlying villages, 
although Alan was forced to wear his mask, their 
inhabitants had been warned to absent themselves, 
so that they saw no one. The crops were left un- 
tended and the cattle and sheep lowed hungrily in 
their kraals. On certain days, at Alan’s request, 
they were taken to the spots where the gold was 
found in the gravel bed of an almost dry stream 
that during the rains was a torrent. 

He descended from the litter and with the help 
of the Asika and Jeeki, dug a little in this gravel, 
not without reward, for in it they found several 
nuggets. Above, too,\ where they went afterwards, 
was a huge quartz reef denuded by water, which 
evidently had been worked in past ages and was 
still so rich that in it they saw plenty of visible gold. 
Looking at it Alan bethought him of his City days 
and of the hundreds of thousands of pounds capital 
with which this unique proposition might have been 
fioated. Afterwards they were carried to the places 
where the gems were found, stuck about in the clay, 
like plums in a pudding, though none ever sought 
them now. But all these things interested the 
Asika not at all. 

What was the good of gold,” she asked Alan, 
“ except to make things of, or the bright stones 
except to play with? What was the good of any- 
thing except food to eat and power and wisdom that 
can open the secret doors of knowledge, of things 
seen and things unseen, and love that brings the 
lover joy and forgetfulness of self and takes away 
the awful loneliness of the soul, if only for a little 
while?” 


ALAN FALLS ILL 


241 


Not wishing to drift into discussion on the matter 
of love, Alan asked the priestess to define her 
soul,’’ whence it came and whither she believed it 
to be going. 

My soul is I, Vernoon,” she answered, and 
already very, very old. Thus it has ruled amongst 
this people for thousands of years. 

How is that,’’ he asked, seeing that the Asika 
dies? ” 

^^Oh! no, Vernoon, she does not die; she only 
changes. The old body dies, the spirit enters into 
another body which is waiting. Thus until I was 
fourteen I was hut a common girl, the daughter of 
a headman of that village yonder, at least so they 
tell me, for of this time I have no memory. Then 
the Asika died and as I had the secret marks and 
the beauty that is hers the priests burnt her body 
before Big Bonsa and suffocated me, the child, in 
the smoke of the burning. But I awoke again and 
when I awoke the past was gone and the soul of the 
Asika filled me, bringing with it its awful memo- 
ries, its gathered wisdom, its passion of love and 
hate and its power to look backward and before.” 

Do you ever do these things? ” asked Alan. 

“ Backward, yes, before very little ; since you 
come, not at all, because my heart is a coward and 
I fear what I might see. Oh ! Vernoon, Vernoon, I 
know you and your thoughts. You think me the 
beautiful beast who loves like a beast, who loves 
you because you are white and different from our 
men. Well, what there is of the beast in me the 
gods of my people gave, for they are devils and I 
am their servent. But there is more than that, 
there is good also which I have won for myself. I 
knew you would come even before I had seen your 
face, I knew you would come,” she went on passion- 


242 


THE YELLOW GOD 


ately, and that is why I was yours already. But 
what would befall after you came, that I neither 
knew, nor know, because I will not seek, who could 
learn it all.’^ 

He looked at her and she saw the doubt in his 
eyes. 

You do not believe me, Vernoon. Very well, 
this night you shall see, you and that black dog of 
yours, that you may know I do not trick you, and 
he shall tell me what you see, for he being but a 
low-born beast will speak the truth, not minding 
if it hurts me, whereas you are gentle and might 
spare, and myself I have sworn not to search the 
future by an oath that I may not break.’’ 

What of the past? ” asked Alan. 

We will not waste time on it, for I know it all. 
Vernoon, have you no memories of Asika-land? Do 
you think you never visited it before? ” 

Never,” said Alan; it was my uncle who came 
and ran away with Little Bonsa on his head.” 

That is news indeed,” she replied mockingly. 

Did you then think that I believed it to be you, 
though it is true that she who went before, or my 
spirit that was in her, fell into error for an hour, 
and thought that fool-uncle of yours was the Man. 
When she found her mistake she let him go, and 
bade the god go with him that it might bring back 
the appointed Man, as it has done; yes that Little 
Bonsa, who knew him of old, might search him out 
from among all the millions of men, born or unborn, 
and bring him back to me. Therefore also she chose 
a young black dog who would live for many years, 
and bade the god to take him with her, and told him 
of the wealth of our people that it might be a bait 
upon the hook. Do you see, Vernoon, that yellow 
dirt was the bait, tliat I — I am the liook? Well, 


ALAN FALLS ILL 243 

you have felt it before, so it should not gall you 
overmuch/’ 

Now Alan was more frightened than he had been 
since he set foot in Asiki-land, for of a sudden this 
woman became terrible to him. He felt that she 
knew things which were hidden from him. For the 
first time he believed in her, believed that she was 
more than a mere passionate savage set by chance 
to rule over a bloodthirsty tribe, that she was one 
who had a part in his destiny. 

Felt the hook? ” he muttered. I do not under- 
stand.” 

You are very forgetful,” she answered. Ver- 
noon, we have lived and loved before, who were 
twin souls from the first. That man now, whom I 
told you lived once on the great river called the 
Nile, have you no memory of him? Well, well, let 
it be, I will tell you afterwards. Here we are at the 
Gold House again, to-night when I am ready I will 
send for you, and this I promise, you shall leave me 
wiser than you were.” 

When they were alone in their room Alan told 
Jeeki of the expeoted entertainment of crystal 
gazing, or whatever it might be, and the part that 
he was to play in it. 

You say that again. Major,” said Jeeki. 

Alan repeated the information, giving every 
detail that he could remember. 

Oh ! ” said J eeki, I see, Asika show us things, 
’cause she afraid to look at them herself, or take 
oath, or can’t, or something. She no ask you tell 
her what she see, because you too kind hurt her 
feeling, if happen to be something beastly. But 
Jeeki just tell her because he so truthful and not 
care curse about her feelings. Well, that all right, 
pJeeki tell her sure enough. Only, Major, don’t you 


244 


THE YELLOW GOD 


interrupt. Quite possible these magic things, 11 see 
one show, you see another. So don’t you go say, 

^ Jeeki, that a lie,’ and give me away to Asika just 
because you think you see different, ’cause if so 
you put me into dirty hole, andiof course I catch it 
afterwards. You promise. Major? ” 

Oh ! yes, I promise. But, Jeeki, do you really 
think we are going to see anything? ” 

Can’t say. Major,” and he shook his head gloom- 
ily. P’raps all put up job. But lots of rum 
things in world. Major, specially among beastly 
African savage who very curious and always ready 
pay blood to bad Spirit. Hope Asika not get this 
into her head, because no one know what happen. 
P’raps we see too much and scared all our lives; 
but p’raps all tommy rot.” 

That’s it^ — tommy rot,” answered Alan, who was 
not superstitious. Well, I suppose that we must 
go through with it. But oh! Jeeki, I wish you 
would tell me how to get out of this.” 

Don’t know. Major, p’raps never get out ; p’raps 
learn something to-night. Have to do something 
soon if want to go. Mungana’s time nearly up, and 
then — oh my eye!” 

It was night, about ten o’clock indeed, the hour 
at which Alan generally weht to bed. No message 
had come and he began to hope that the Asika had 
forgotten, or changed her mind, and was just going 
to say so to Jeeki when a light coming from behind 
him attracted his attention and he turned, to see 
her standing in a corner of the great room holding 
a lamp in her hand and looking towards him. Her 
gold breastplate and crown were gone, with every 
other ornament, and she was clad, or rather muffled 
in robes of pure white fitted with a kind of nun’s 


ALAN FALLS ILL 


245 


hood which lay back upon her shoulders. Also on 
her arm she carried a shawd or veil. Standing thus, 
all undecked, with her long hair fastened in a sim- 
ple knot, she still looked very beautiful, more so 
than she had ever been, thought Alan, for the 
cruelty of her face had faded and was replaced by 
a mystery very strange to see. She did not look 
quite like a wmman, and that was the reason, per- 
haps, that Alan for the first time felt attracted by 
her. Hitherto she had always repelled him, but this 
night it was otherwise. 

How did you come here? ’’ he asked in a more 
gentle voice than the generally used towards her. 

Noting the change in his tone, she smiled shyly 
and even coloured a little, then answered : 

This house has many secrets, Vernoon. When 
you are lord of it you shall learn them all, till then 
I may not tell them to you. But, come, there are 
other secrets which I hope you shall see to-night, 
and, Jeeki, come you also, for you shall be the 
mouth of your lord, so that you may tell me what 
perhaps he w^ould hide.” 

“ I will tell you everything, everything, O Asika,” 
answered Jeeki, stretching out his hands and bow- 
ing almost to the ground. 

Then they started and following many long 
passages as before, although whether they were the 
same or others Alan could not tell, came at last to 
a door that he recognized, that of the Treasure 
House. As they approached this door it opened 
and through it, like a hunted thing, ran the be- 
dizened Mungana, husband of the Asika, terror, or 
madness, shining in his eyes. Catching sight of his 
wife, who bore the lamp, he threw himself upon his 
knees and snatching at her robe, addressed some 


246 


THE YELLOW GOD 


petition to her, speaking so rapidly that Alan could 
not follow his words. 

For a moment she listened, then dragged her 
dress from his hand and spurned him with her foot. 
There was something so cruel in the gesture and 
the action, so full of deadly hate and loathing, that 
Alan, who witnessed it, experienced a new revulsion 
of feeling towards the Asika. What kind of a 
woman could she be he wondered who would treat 
a discarded lover thus in the presence of his suc- 
cessor? 

With a groan or a sob, it was difficult to say 
which, the poor man rose and perceived Alan, whose 
face he now beheld for the first time, since the Asika 
had told him not to mask himself as they would 
meet no one. The sight of it seemed to fill him 
with jealous fury; at any rate he leapt at his rival, 
intending, apparently, to catch him by the throat. 
Alan, who was watching him, stepped aside, so that 
he came into violent contact with the wall of the 
passage and, half-stunned by the shock, reeled 
onwards into the darkness. 

The hog ! ’’ said the Asika, or rather she hissed 
it, the hog, who dared to touch me and to strike 
at you. Well, his time is short — would that I could 
make it shorter! Did you hear what he sought 
of me? ” 

Alan, who wished for no confidences, replied by 
asking what the Mungana was doing in the Treasure 
House, to which she answered that the spirits who 
dwelt there were eating up his soul, and when they 
had devoured it all he would go quite mad and kill 
himself. 

Does that happen to all Munganas? inquired 
Alan. 

Yes, Vernoon, if the Asika hates them, but if 


ALAN FALLS ILL 247 

she loves them it is otherwise. Come, let us forget 
the wretch, who would kill you if he could,” and 
she led the way into the hall and up it, passing 
between the heaps of gold. 

On the table where lay the necklaces of gems she 
set down her lamp, whereof the light, all there was 
in that great place, flickered feebly upon the mask 
of Little Bonsa, which had been moved there ap- 
parently for some ceremonial purpose, and still 
more feebly upon the hideous, golden countenances 
and winding sheets of the ancient, yellow dead who 
stood around in scores placed one above the other, 
each in his appointed niche. It was an awesome 
scene and one that oppressed Jeeki very much, for 
he murmured to Alan : 

“ Oh my ! Major, family vault child’s play to this 

hole, just like ” here his comparison came to an 

end, for the Asika cut it short with a single glance. 

Sit here in front of me,” she said to Alan,-^^ and 
you, Jeeki, sit at your lord’s side, and be silent till 
I bid you speak.” 

Then she crouched down in a heap behind them, 
threw the cloth or veil she carried over her head, 
and in some way that they did not see, suddenly 
extinguished the lamp. 

Now they were in deep darkness, the darkness of 
death, and in utter silence, the silence of the dead. 
No glimmer of light, and yet to Alan it seemed as 
though he could feel the flash of the crystal eyes of 
Little Bonsa, and of all the other eyes set in the 
masks of those departed men who once had been 
the husbands of the bloodstained priestess of the 
Asiki, till one by one, as she wearied of them, they 
were bewitched to madness and to doom. In that 
utter quiet he thought even that he could hear them 
stir within their winding sheets, or it may have 


248 


THE YELLOW GOD 


been that the Asika had risen and moved among 
them on some errand of her own. Far away some- 
thing fell to the floor, a very light object, such as a 
flake of rock or a scale of gold. Yet the noise of it 
struck his nerves loud as a clap of thunder, and 
those of Jeeki also, for he felt him start at his side 
and heard the sudden hammerlike beat of his heart. 

What was the woman doing in this dreadful 
place, he wondered. Well, it w^as easy to guess. 
Doubtless she had brought them there to scare and 
impress them. Presently a voice, that of some hid- 
den priest, would speak to them, and they would 
be asked to believe it a message from the spirit 
w^orld, or a spirit itself might be arranged — what 
could be easier in their mood and these surround- 
ings. 

Now the Asika w^as speaking behind them in a 
muffled voice. From the tone of it she appeared 
to be engaged in argument or supplication in some 
strange tongue. At any rate he could not under- 
stand a word of wdiat she said. The argument, or 
prayer, w^ent on for a long w hile, wdth pauses as 
though for answ^ers. Then suddenly it ceased and 
once more they w^ere plunged in that unfathomable 
silence. 


CHAPTER XVI 

WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 

It seemed to Alan that he went to sleep and 
dreamed. 

He dreamed that it was late autumn in England. 
Leaves drifted down from the trees beneath the 
breath of a strong, damp wind, and ran or floated 
along the road till they vanished into a ditch, or 
caught against a pile of stones that had been laid 
ready for its repair. He knew the road well enough ; 
he even knew the elm tree beneath which he seemed 
to stand on the crest of a hill. - It was that which 
ran from Mr. Champers-HaswelPs splendid house. 
The Court, to the church; he could see them both, 
the house to the right, the church to the left, and 
his eyesight seemed to have improved, since he was 
able to observe that at either place there, was bustle 
and preparation as though for some ceremony. 

Xow the big gates of The Court opened and 
through them came a funeral. It advanced toward 
him with unnatural swiftness, as though it floated 
upon air, the whole melancholy procession of it. 
In a few seconds it had come and gone and yet dur- 
ing those seconds he suffered agony, for there arose 
in his mind a horrible terror that this was Barbara’s 
burying. He could not have endured it for another 
moment; he would have cried out or died, only now 
the mourners passed him following the coffin, and 
in the first carriage he saw Barbara seated, looking 
sad and somewhat troubled, but well. A little fur- 
249 


250 


THE YELLOW GOD 


ther down the line came another carriage, and in it 
was Sir Kobert Aylward, staring before him with 
cold, impassive face. 

In his dream Alan thought to himself that he 
must have borrowed this carriage, which would not 
be strange, as he generally used motors, for there 
was a peer^s coronet upon the panels and the silver- 
mounted harness. 

The funeral passed and suddenly vanished into 
the churchyard gates, leaving Alan wondering why 
his cousin Haswell was not seated at Barbara's side. 
Then it occurred to him that it might be because 
he was in the coffin, and at that moment in his 
dream he heard the Asika asking Jeeki what he 
saw; heard Jeeki answer also, ^‘A burying in the 
land called England.’’ 

Of whom, Jeeki? ” Then after some hesitation, 
the answer : 

Of a lady whom my lord loves very much. They 
bury her.” 

What was her name, Jeeki? ” 

Her name was Barbara.” 

Bar-bara, why that you told me was the name 
of his mother and his sister. Which of them is 
buried? ” 

Neither, O Asika. It was another lady who 
loved very much and wanted to marry him, and that 
was why he ran away to Africa. But now she is 
dead and buried.” 

Are all women in England called Barbara, 
Jeeki? ” 

Yes, O Asika, Barbara means woman.” 

If your lord loved this Barbara, why then did 
he run aw^ay from her? Well, it matters not since 
she is dead and buried, for whatever their spirits 
may feel, no man cares for a woman that is dead 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 251 

until she clothes herself in flesh again. That was 
a good vision and I will reward you for it.’’ 

I have earned nothing, O Asika,” answered 
J eeki modestly, who only tell you what I see as 
I must. Yet, O Asika,” he added with a note of 
anxiety in his voice, why do you not read these 
magic writings for yourself? ” 

Because I dare not, or rather because I can 
not,” she answered flercely. Be silent, slave, for 
now the power of the god broods upon my soul.” 

The dream went on. A great forest appeared, 
such a forest as they had passed before they met 
the cannibals, and set beneath one of the trees, a 
tent and in that tent Barbara, Barbara weeping. 
Someone began to lift the flap of the tent. She 
sprang up, snatching at a pistol that lay beside her, 
turning its muzzle towards her breast. A man en- 
tered the tent. Alan saw his face, it was his own. 
Barbara let fall the pistol and fell backwards as 
though a bullet from it had pierced her heart. He 
leapt towards her, but before he came to where she 
lay everything had vanished and he heard Jeeki 
droning out his lies to the Asika, telling her that 
the vision he had seen was one of her and his master 
seated with their arms about each other in a 
chamber of the Golden House. 

A third time the dream descended on Alan like a 
cloud. It seemed to him that he was borne beyond 
the flaming borders of the world. Everything 
around was new and unfamiliar, vast, changing, 
lovely, terrible. He stood alone upon a pearly plain 
and the sky above him was lit with rosy moons, 
many and many of them that hung there like lamps. 
Spirits began to pass him. He could catch some- 
thing of their glory as they sped by with incredible 
swiftness; he could hear the winnowing of their 


252 


THE YELLOW GOD 


wings. One rose up at his side. It was the Asika, 
only a thousand times more splendid; clothed in 
all the glory of hell. Majestically she bent towards 
him, her glowing eyes held his, the perfume of her 
breath beat upon his brow and made him drunken. 

She spoke to him and her voice sounded like 
distant bells. 

Through many a life, through many a life,’^ she 
said, bought with much blood, paid for with a 
million tears, but mine at last, the soul that I have 
won to comfort my soul through the eternal day. 
Come to the place I have made ready for you, the 
hell that shall turn to heaven at your step, come, 
you by whom I am redeemed, and drive away those 
gods that torture me because I was their servant 
that I might win you.’^ 

So she spoke, and though all his soul revolted, yet 
the fearful strength that was in her seemed to draw 
him onward whither she would go. Then a light 
shone and that light was the face of Barbara and 
with a suddenness that was almost awful, the dream 
came to an end. 

Alan was in his own room again, though how he 
got there he did not recollect. 

Jeeki,’’ he said, “ what has happened? I seem 
to have had a very curious dream, there in the 
Treasure-place, and to have heard you telling the 
Asika a string of incredible falsehoods.” 

^^Oh! no. Major, Jeeki canT lie, too good Chris- 
tian ; he tell her what he see, or what he think she 
see if she look, ’cause p’raps he see nothing, she 
never believe that. And,” he added with a burst 
of confidence, what the dickens it matter what he 
tell her, so long as she swallow same and keep 
quiet? Nasty things always make women like 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 253 

Asika quite outrageous. Give them sweet to suck, 
say Jeeki, and if they ill afterwards, that no fault 
of his. They had sweet.’’ 

Quite so, Jeeki, quite so, only I should advise 
you not to play too many tricks upon the Asika, 
lest she should happen to find you out. How did 
I get back here? ” 

“ Like man that walk in his sleep. Major. She 
go first, you follow, just as little lamb after ]\Iary 
in hymn.” 

“ Jeeki, did you really see anything at all? ” 

No, Major, nothing partic’iar, except ghost of 
Mrs. Jeeki and of your reverend uncle, both of them 
very angry. That magic all stuff. Major. Asika 
put something in your grub make you drunk, so 
that you think her very wise. Don’t think of it no 
more. Major, or you go off your chump. If Jeeki 
see nothing, depend on it there nothing to see.” 

Perhaps so, J eeki, but I wish I could be sure 
you had seen nothing. Listen to me; we must get 
out of this place somehow, or as you say, I shall go 
off my chump. It’s haunted, Jeeki, it’s haunted, 
and I think that Asika is a devil, not a woman.” 

That what priests say. Major,” he answered, 
looking at his master anxiously. Well, don’t you 
fret, Jeeki not afraid of devils, Jeeki get you out 
in good time. Go to bed and leave it all to Jeeki.” 

Fifteen more days had gone by, and it was the 
eve of the night of the second full moon on the night 
when Alan was destined to become the husband of 
the Asika. She had sent for him that morning and 
he found her radiant with happiness. Whether or 
no she believed Jeeki’s interpretation of the visions, 
it seemed quite certain that her mind was void of 
fears or doubts. She was sure that Alan was about 


254 


THE YELLOW GOD 


to become her husband, and had summoned all the 
people of the Asiki to be present at the ceremony of 
their marriage, and incidentally of the death of the 
Mungana, who, poor wretch, was to be forced to kill 
himself upon that occasion. 

Before they parted she had spoken to Alan 
sweetly enough. 

Vernoon,’’ she said, I know that you do not 
love me as I love you, but the love will come, since 
for your sake I will change myself. I will become 
gentle ; I will shed no more blood ; that of the Mun- 
gana shall be the last, and even him I would spare 
if I could, only while he lives I may not marry you ; 
it is the one law that is stronger than I am, and if 
I broke it I and you would be murdered. You shall 
even teach me your faith, if you will, for what is 
good to you is henceforth good to me. Ask what 
you wish of me, and as earnest I will do it if I can.” 

Now Alan looked at her. There was one thing 
that he wished above all others — that she would let 
him go. But this he did not dare to ask ; moreover, 
it would have been utterly useless. After all, if the 
Asika^s love was terrible, what would be the ap- 
pearance of her outraged hate? What could he 
ask? More gold? He hated the very name of the 
stuff, for it had brought him here. He remembered 
the old cannibal chief, Fahni, who, like himself, lan- 
guished a prisoner, daily expecting death. Only 
that morning he had implored him to obtain his 
liberty. 

I thank you, Asika,” he said. ^‘Now, if your 
words are true, set Fahni free and let him return 
to his own country, for if he stays here he will die.” 

Surely, Vernoon, that is a small thing,” she 
answered, smiling, though it is true that when he 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 255 

gets there he will probably make war upon us. 
Well, let him, let him.’’ Then she clapped her hands 
and summoned priests, whom she bade go at once 
and conduct Fahni out of Bonsa-Town. Also she 
bade them loose certain slaves who were of the 
Ogula tribe, that they might accompany him laden 
with provisions, and send on orders to the outposts 
that Fahni and his party should pass unmolested 
from the land. 

This done, she began to talk to Alan about many 
matters, however little he might answer her. In- 
deed it seemed almost as though she feared to let 
him leave her side ; as though some presentiment of 
loss oppressed her. 

At length, to Alan’s great relief, the time came 
when they must part, since it was necessary for her 
to attend a secret ceremony of preparation or puri- 
fication that was called the Putting off the Past.” 
Although she had been thrice summoned, still she 
would not let him go. 

They call you, Asika,” said Alan. 

Yes, yes, they call me,” she replied, springing 
up. Leave me, Vernoon, till we meet to-morrow to 
part no more. Oh ! why is my heart so heavy in 
me? That black dog of yours read the visions that 
I summoned but might not look on, and they were 
good visions. They showed that the woman who 
loved you is dead; they showed us wedded, and 
other deeper things. Surely he would not dare to 
lie to me, knowing that if he did I would fiay him 
living and throw him to the vultures. Why, then, 
is my heart so heavy in me? Would you escape me, 
Vernoon? Nay, you are not so cruel, nor could you 
do it except by death. Moreover, man, know that 
even in death you cannot escape me, for there I 
shall follow you and claim you, to whose side my 


256 


THE YELLOW GOD 


spirit has toiled for ages, and what is there so 
strong that it can snatch you from my hand? ’’ 

She looked at him a moment, then of a sudden 
burst into a flood of tears, and seizing his hand 
threw herself upon her knees and kissed it again 
and again. 

Go now,’’ she said, go, and let my love go with 
you, through lives and deaths, and all the dreams 
beyond, oh! let my love go with you, as it shall, 
Vernoon.” 

So Alan went, leaving her there weeping on her 
knees. 

During the dark hours that followed Alan and 
madness were not far apart. What could he do? 
Escape was utterly impossible. For weeks he and 
Jeeki had considered it in vain. Even if they could 
win out of the Gold House fortress, what hope had 
they of making their way through the crowded, 
tortuous town where, after the African fashion, 
people walked about all night, every one of whom 
would recognize the white man of whom all were 
talking, whether he were masked or no? Besides 
beyond the town were the river and the guarded 
walls and gates and beyond them open country 
where they would be cut olf or run down. No, to 
attempt escape was suicide. Suicide! That gave 
him an idea, why hould he not kill himself? It 
would be easy enough, for he still had his revolver 
and a few cartridges, and surely it was better than 
to enter on such a life as awaited him as the play- 
thing of a priestess of a tribe of fetish-worshipping 
savages. 

But if he killed himself, how about Barbara and 
how about poor old Jeeki, who would certainly be 
killed also? Besides, it was not the right thing to 
do, and while there is life there is always hope. 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 257 


Alan paused in his walk up and down the room 
and looked at Jeeki, who sat upon the floor with 
his back resting against the stone altar, reflectively 
pulling down his thick under lip and letting it fly 
back, negro-fashion. 

Jeeki,” he said, time’s up. What am I to do? ” 

Do, Major? ” he replied with affected cheerful- 
ness. Oh ! that quite simple. Jeeki arrange every- 
thing. You marry Asika and by and by, when you 
master here and tired of her, you give her slip. 
Very interesting experience; no white man ever 
have such luck before. Asika not half bad, if she 
fond of you; she like little girl in song, when she 
good, she very, very good. At any rate, nothing 
else to do. Marry Asika or spiflicate, which mean. 
Major, that Jeeki spiflicate too, and,” he added, 
shaking his white head sadly, he no like that. One 
or two little things on his mind that no get time to 
square up yet. Daren’t pray like Christian here, 
’cause afraid of Bonsas, and Bonsas come even with 
him by and by, ’cause he been Christian, so poor 
Jeeki fall down bump between two stools. ’Postles 
kick him out of Heaven and Bonsas kick him out of 
Hell, and where Jeeki go to then? ” 

Don’t know, I am sure,” answered Alan, smiling 
a little in spite of his sorrow, but I think the 
Bonsas might And a corner for you somewhere. 
Look here, Jeeki, you old scamp, I am sorry for you, 
for you have been a good friend to me and we are 
fond of each other. But just understand this, I am 
not going to marry that woman if I can help it. It’s 
against my principles. So I shall wait till to- 
morrow and then I shall walk out of this place. If 
the guards try to stop me I shall shoot them while 
I, have any cartridges. Then I shall go on until 
they kill me.” 


258 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Oh ! but Major, they not kill you ; they chuck 
blanket over your head and take you back to Asika. 
It Jeeki they kill, skin him alive-o, and all the rest 
of it.’^ 

Hope not, Jeeki, because they think we shall die 
the same day. But if so, I can’t help it. To-morrow 
morning I shall walk out, and now that’s settled. 
I am tired and going to sleep,” and he threw him- 
self down upon the bed and, being worn out with 
weariness and anxiety, soon fell fast asleep. 

But Jeeki did not sleep, although he too lay down 
upon his bed. On the contrary, he remained wide 
awake and reflected, more deeply perhaps than he 
had ever done before, being sure that the supersti- 
tion as to the dependence of Alan’s life upon his 
own was now worn very thin, and that his hour was 
at hand. He thought of making Alan’s wild attempt 
to depart impossible by the simple method of warn- 
ing the Asika, but, notwithstanding his native sel- 
fishness, was too loyal to let that idea take root in 
his mind. No, there was nothing to be done; if the 
Major wished to start, the Major must start, and he, 
Jeeki, must pay the price. Well, he deserved it, 
who had been fool enough to listen to the secret 
promptings of Little Bonsa and conduct him to 
Asiki-land. 

Thus he passed several hours, for the most part 
of his end, until at length weariness overcame him 
in melancholy speculations as to the exact fashion 
also and, shutting his eyes, Jeeki began to doze. 
Suddenly he grew aware of the presence of some 
other person in the room, but thinking that it was 
only the Asika prowling about in her uncanny 
fashion, or perhaps her spirit, for how her body 
entered the place he could not guess, he did not stir, 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 259 

but lay breathing heavily and watching out of the 
corner of his eye. 

Presently a figure emerged from the shadows into 
the faint light thrown by the single lamp that 
burned above, and though it was wrapped in a dark 
cloak, Jeeki knew at once that it was not the Asika. 
Very stealthily the figure crept towards him, as a 
leopard might creep, and bent down to examine him. 
The movement caused the cloak to slip a little, and 
for an instant Jeeki caught sight of the wasted, half- 
crazed face of the Mungana, and of a long, curved 
knife that glittered in his hand. Paralyzed with 
fear, he lay quite still, knowing that should he show 
the slightest sign of consciousness that knife would 
pierce his heart. 

The Mungana watched him a while, then satisfied 
that he slept, turned round and, bending himself 
almost double, glided with infinite precautions 
towards Alan^s bed, that stood some twelve or four- 
teen feet away. Silently as a snake that uncoils 
itself, Jeeki slipped from between his blankets and 
crept after him, his naked feet making no noise 
upon the mat-strewn fioor. So intent was the Mun- 
gana upon the deed which he had come to do that 
he never looked back, and thus it happened that the 
two of them reached the bed one immediately behind 
the other. 

Alan was lying on his back with his throat ex- 
posed, a very easy victim. For a moment the Mun- 
gana stared. Then he erected himself like a snake 
about to strike, and lifted the great curved knife, 
taking aim at the naked breast. Jeeki erected him- 
self also, and even as the knife began to fall, with 
one hand he caught the arm that drove it and with 
the other the murderer’s throat. The Mungana 
fought like a wild-cat, but Jeeki was too strong for 


260 


THE YELLOW GOD 


him. His fingers held the man’s windpipe like a 
vise. He choked and weakened; the knife fell 
from his hand. He sank to the ground and lay 
there helpless, whereon Jeeki knelt upon his chest 
and, possessing himself of the knife, held it within 
an inch of his heart. 

It was at this juncture that Alan woke up and 
asked sleepily what was the matter. 

Nothing, Major,” answered Jeeki in low but 
cheerful tones. “ Snake just going to bite you and 
I catch him, that all,” and he gave an extra squeeze 
to the Mungana’s throat, who turned black in the 
face and rolled his eyes. 

Be careful, Jeeki, or you will kill the man,” ex- 
claimed Alan, recognizing the Mungana and taking 
in the situation. 

Why not, Major? He want kill you, and me 
too afterwards. Good riddance of bad rubbish, as 
Bible say.” 

I am not so sure, Jeeki. Give him air and let 
me think. Tell him that if he makes any noise, he 
dies.” 

Jeeki obeyed, and the Mungana’s darkening eyes 
grew bright again as he drew his breath in great 
sobs. 

Now, friend,” said Alan in Asiki, why did you 
wish to stab me? ” 

Because I hate you,” answered the man, who 
to-morrow will take my place and the wdfe I love.” 

As a year or two ago you took someone else’s, 
eh? Well, suppose now that I don’t want either 
your place or your wife.” 

What would that matter even if it were true, 
White Man, since she wants you? ” 

I am thinking, friend, that there is someone else 
she will want when she hears of this. How do you 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 261 

suppose that you will die to-morrow? Not so easily 
as you hope, perhaps.’^ 

The Mungana’s eyes seemed to sink into his head, 
and his face to sicken with terror. That shaft had 
gone home. 

Supposing I make a bargain with you,’^ went on 
Alan slowly. Supposing I say : ‘ Mungana, show 
me the way out of this place, as you can, now at 
once. Or if you prefer it, refuse and be given up 
to the Aiska ! ’ Come, you are not too mad to un- 
derstand. Answer — and quickly.’’ 

Would you kill me afterwards? ” he asked. 

‘‘^Not I. Why should I wish to kill you? You 
can come with us and go where you will. Or you 
can stay here and die as the Asika directs.” 

I cannot believe you. White Man. It is not pos- 
sible that you should wish to run away from so 
much love and glory, or to spare one who would 
have slain you. Also it would be difficult to get you 
out of Bonsa-town.” 

Jeeki,” said Alan, this fellow is mad after 
all, I think you had better go to the door and shout 
for the priests.” 

No, no, lord,” begged the wretched creature, I 
will trust you, I will try, though it is you who must 
be mad.” 

a Very good. Stand over him, Jeeki, while I put 
on my things and, yes, give me that mask. If he 
stirs, kill him at once.” 

So Alan made himself ready. Then he mounted 
guard over the Mungana, and Jeeki did likewise, 
although he shook his head over their prospect of 
escape. 

No go,” he muttered, no go! If we get past 
priests, Asika catch us with her magic. When I bolt 
with your reverend uncle last time. Little Bonsa 


262 


THE YELLOW GOD 


arrange business because she go abroad fetch you. 
Now likely as not she bowl you out, and then good- 
bye Jeeki/^ 

Alan sternly bade him be quiet and stop behind if 
he did not wish to come. 

No, no. Major,’’ he answered, “ I come all right. 
Asika very prejudiced beggar, and if she find me 
here alone — oh my! Better die double after all. 
Two’s company. Major. Now, all ready, March! 
and he gave the unfortunate Mungana a fearful 
kick as a hint to proceed. 

So utterly crushed was the poor wretch that even 
this insult did not stir him to resentment. 

Follow me. White Man,” he said, and if you 
desire to live, be silent. Throw your cloaks about 
your heads.” 

They did so, and holding their revolvers in their 
right hands, glided after the Mungana. In the 
corner of the big room they came to a little stair. 
How it opened in that place where no stair had 
been, they could not see or even guess, for it was 
too dark, only now they knew the means by which 
the Asika had been able to visit them at night. 

The Mungana went first doAvn the stair. Jeeki 
followed, grasping him by the arm with one hand, 
while in the other he kept his own knife ready to 
stab him at the first sign of treachery. Alan 
brought up the rear, keeping hold of Jeeki’s cloak. 
They passed down twelve steps of stair, then turned 
to the right along a tunnel, then to the left, then 
to the right again. In that pitch darkness it was 
an awful journey, since they knew not whither 
they were being led, and expected that* every mo- 
ment would be their last. At length, quite of a 
sudden, they emerged into moonlight. 

Alan looked about him and knew the place. It 


WHAT THE ASIKA SHOWED ALAN 263 

was where the feast had been held two months be- 
fore, when the priests were poisoned and Big 
Bonsa chose the victims for sacrifice. Already it 
was prepared for the great festival of to-morrow, 
when the Mungana should drown himself and Alan 
be married to the Asika. There on the dais were 
the gold chairs where they were to sit, and green 
branches of trees mixed with curious flags decked 
the vast amphitheatre beyond. Moreover, there 
was the broad canal, and floating in the midst of 
it the hideous gold fetish. Big Bonsa. The moon 
shone on its glaring, deathly eyes, its fish-like snout 
and its huge, pale teeth. Alan looked at it and 
shivered, for the thing was horrid and uncanny, 
and the utter loneliness in which it lay there staring 
upwards at the moon, seemed to accentuate the 
horror. 

The Mungana noticed his fear and whispered : 

We must swim the water. If you have a god. 
White Man, pray him to protect you from Bonsa. 

Go on,’’ answered Alan, I do not dread a 
fetish, only the look of it. But is there no way 
round? ” 

The Mungana shook his head and began to enter 
the canal. Jeeki, whose teeth were chattering, 
hung back, but Alan pushed him from behind, so 
sharply that he stumbled and made a splash. Then 
Alan followed, and as the cold, black water rose 
to his chest, looked again at Big Bonsa. 

It seemed to him that the thing had turned round 
and was staring at them. Surely a few seconds ago 
its snout pointed the other way. No, that must be 
fancy. He was swimming now, they were all swim- 
ming, Alan and Jeeki holding their pistols and 
little stock of cartridges above their heads to keep 
them dry. The gold head of Big Bonsa appeared 


264 


THE YELLOW GOD 


to be lifting itself up in the water, as a reptile 
might in order to get a better view of these pro- 
ceedings, but doubtless it was the ripples that they 
caused which gave it this appearance. Only why 
did the ripples make it come towards them, quite 
gently, like an investigating fish? 

It was about ten yards off and they were in the 
middle of the canal. The Mungana had passed it; 
Jeeki had passed it. It was in a line with Alan^s 
head. Oh Heavens! a sudden smother of foam, a 
rush like that of a torpedo, and set . low down be- 
tween two curving waves, a fiash of gold. Then 
a gurgling, inhuman laugh and a weight upon his 
back. Down went Alan, down and down. 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 

The moonlight above vanished. Alan was alone 
in the depths with this devil, or whatever it might 
be. He could feel hands and feet gripping and 
treading on him, but they did not seem to be hu- 
man, for there were too many of them. Also they 
were very cold. He gave himself up for dead and 
thought of Barbara. 

Then something flashed into his mind. In his 
hand he still held the revolver. He pressed it 
against the thing that was smothering him, and 
pulled the trigger. Again he pulled it, and again, 
for it was a self-cocking weapon, and even there 
deep down in the water he heard the thud of the 
explosion of the damp-proof copper cartridges. His 
lungs were bursting, his senses reeled, only enough 
of them remained to tell him that he was free of 
that strangling grip and floating upwards. His 
head rose above the surface, and through the mouth 
of his mask he drew in the sweet air with great 
gasps. Down below him in the clear water he saw 
the yellow head of Big Bonsa rocking and quiver- 
ing like a great reflected moon, saw too that it was 
beginning to rise. Yet he could not swim away 
from it, the thing seemed to have hypnotized him. 
He heard Jeeki calling to him from the shallow 
^vater near the further bank, but still he floated 
there like a log staring down at Big Bonsa be- 
neath. 


265 


266 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Jeeki plunged back into the canal and with a few 
strong strokes reached him, gripped him by the arm 
and began to tow him to the shore. Before they 
came there Big Bonsa rose like a huge fish and 
tried to follow them, but could not, or so it seemed. 
At any rate it only whirled round and round upon 
the surface, while from it poured a white fiuid that 
turned the black water to the hue of milk. Then 
it began to scream, making a thin and dreadful 
sound more like that of an infant in pain than any- 
thing they had ever heard, a very sickening 
sound that Alan never could forget. He staggered 
to the bank and stood staring at it where it bled, 
rolled, wallowed and shrieked, but because of the 
milky foam could make nothing out in that light. 

What is it, Jeeki? ” he said with an idiotic 
laugh. What is it? ’’ 

Oh ! donT know. Devil and all, perhaps. Come 
on. Major, before it catch us.’’ 

I don’t think it will catch anyone just at pres- 
ent. Devil or not hollow-nosed bullets don’t agree 
with it. Shall I give it another, Jeeki? ” and he 
lifted the pistol. 

No, no. Major, don’t play tomfool,” and Jeeki 
grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away. 

A few paces further on stood the Mungana like 
a man transfixed, and even then Alan noticed that 
he regarded him with something akin to awe. 

“ Stronger than the god,” he muttered, stronger 
than the god,” and bounded forward. 

Following the path that ran beside the canal, 
they plunged into a tunnel, holding each other as 
before. In a few minutes they were through it 
and in a place full of cedar trees outside the wall 
of the Gold House, under which evidently the tun- 
nel passed, for there it rose behind them. Beneath 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 267 

these cedar trees they flitted like ghosts, now in 
the moonlight and now in the shadow. 

The great fall to the back of the town was on 
their left, and in front of them lay one of the arms 
of the river, at this spot a raging torrent not more 
than a hundred feet in width, spanned by a narrow 
suspension bridge which seemed to be supported by 
two fibre ropes. On the hither side of this bridge 
stood a guard hut, and to their dismay out of this 
hut ran three men armed with spears, evidently to 
cut them off. One of these men sped across the 
bridge and took his stand at the further end, while 
the other two posted themselves in their path at 
the entrance to it. 

The Mungana slackened his speed and said one 
word — Finished ! — and Jeeki also hesitated, 
then turned and pointed behind them. 

Alan looked back and flitting in and out between 
the cedar trees, saw the white robes of the priests 
of Bonsa. Then despair seized them all, and they 
rushed at the bridge. Jeeki reached it first and 
dodging beneath the spears of the two guards, 
plunged his knife into the breast of one of them, and 
butted the other with his great head, so that he 
fell over the side of the bridge on to the rocks below. 

Cut, Major, cut ! he said to Alan, who pushed 
past him. All right now.’^ 

They were on the narrow swaying bridge — it was 
but a single plank — Alan first, then the Mungana, 
then Jeeki. When they were half way across Alan 
looked before him and saw a sight he could never 
forget. 

The third guard at the further side was sawing 
through one of the fibre ropes with his spear. There 
they were on the middle of the bridge with the tor- 
rent raving fifty feet beneath them, and the man 


268 


THE YELLOW GOD 


had nearly severed the rope! To get over before 
he was through it was impossible; behind were 
the priests; beneath the roaring river. All three 
of them stopped as though paralyzed, for all three 
had seen. Something struck against Alan’s leg, it 
was his pistol that still remained fastened to his 
rist by its leather thong. He cocked and lifted it, 
took aim and fired. The shot missed, which was 
not wonderful considering the light and the plat- 
form on which the shooter stood. It missed, but 
the man, astonished, for he had never seen or heard 
such a thing before, stopped his sawing for a mo- 
ment, and stared at them. Then as he began again 
Alan fired once more, and this time by good for- 
tune the bullet struck the man somewhere in the 
body. He fell, and as he fell grasped the nearly 
separated rope and hung to it. 

Get hold of the other rope and come on,” yelled 
Alan, and once more they bounded forward. 

My God ! it’s going,” he yelled again. Hold 
fast, Jeeki, hold fast! ” 

Next instant the rope parted and the man van- 
ished. The bridge tipped over, and supported by 
the remaining rope, hung edgeways up. To this 
rope the three of them clung desperately, resting 
their feet upon the edge of the swaying plank. For 
a few seconds they remained thus, afraid to stir, 
then Jeeki called out: 

Climb on. Major, climb on like one monkey. 
Look bad, but quite safe really.” 

As there was nothing else to be done Alan be- 
gan to climb, shifting his feet along the plank edge 
and his hands along the rope, which creaked and 
stretched beneath their threefold Aveight. 

It was a horrible journey, and in his imagination 
took at least an hour. Yet they accomplished it, 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 269 

for at last they found themselves huddled together 
but safe upon the further bank. The sweat pour- 
ing down from his head had almost blinded Alan ; 
a deadly nausea worked within him, sickly tremors 
shot up and down his spine; his brain swam. Yet 
he could hear Jeeki, in whom excitement always 
took the form of speech, saying loudly: 

Think that man no liar what say our great 
papas was monkeys. Never look down on monkey no 
more. Wake up, Major, those priests monkey-men 
too, for we all brothers, you know. Wait a bit, I 
stop their little game,’’ and springing up with three 
or four cuts of the big curved knife, he severed the 
remaining rope just as their pursuers reached the 
further side of the chasm. 

They shouted with rage as the long bridge swung 
back against the rock, the cut end of it falling into 
the torrent, and waved their spears threateningly. 
To this demonstration Jeeki replied with gestures 
of contempt such as are known to street Arabs. 
Then he looked at the Mungana, who lay upon the 
ground a melancholy and dilapidated spectacle, for 
the perspiration had washed lines of paint off his 
face and patches of dye from his hair, also his 
gorgeous robes were water-stained and his gem 
necklaces broken. Having studied him a while Jeeki 
kicked him meditatively till he got up, then asked 
him to set out the exact situation. The Mungana 
answered that they were safe for a while, since 
that torrent could only be crossed by the broken 
bridge and was too rapid to swim. The Asiki, he 
added, must go a long journey round through the 
city in order to come at them, though doubtless they 
would hunt them down in time. 

Here Jeeki cut him short, since he knew all that 
country well and only wished to learn whether 


270 


THE YELLOW GOD 


any more bridges had been built across the torrent 
since he was a boy. 

Now, Major,’’ he said, you get up and follow 
me, for I know every inch of ground, also by and 
by good short cut over mountains. You see Jeeki 
very clever boy, and when he herd sheep and goat 
he made note of everything and never forget noth- 
ing. He pull you out of this hole, never fear.” 

Glad to hear it, I am sure,” answered Alan as 
he rose. But what’s to become of the Mungana? ” 

Don’t know and don’t care,” said Jeeki; no 
more good to us. Can go and see how Big Bonsa 
feel, if he like,” and stretching out his big hand 
as though in a moment of abstraction, he removed 
the costly necklaces from their guide’s neck and 
thrust them into the pouch he wore. Also he picked 
up the gilded linen mask which Alan had removed 
from his head and placed it in the same receptacle, 
remarking, that he always taught that it wicked 
to waste anything.” 

Then they started, the Mungana following them. 
Jeeki paused and waved him off, but the poor 
wretch still came on, whereon Jeeki produced the 
big, crooked knife, his own knife. 

What are you going to do,” said Alan, awaking 
to the situation. 

Cut off head of that cocktail man. Major, and so 
save him lot of trouble. Also we got no grub, and 
if we find any he want eat a lot. Chop what do 
for two p’raps, make very short commons for three. 
Also he might play dirty trick, so much best dead.” 

‘^Nonsense,” said Alan sternly; ‘‘let the poor 
devil come along if he likes. One good turn de- 
serves another.” 

“Just so. Major; he want cut our throats, so I 
want cut his — one good turn deserves another, as 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 271 

wise king say in Book, when he give half baby to 
woman what didn’t want it. Well, so be it, ]Major, 
specially as it no matter, for he not stop with us 
long.” 

You mean that he will run away, Jeeki? ” 

Oh ! no, he not run away, he in too blue funk 
for that. But something run away with him, be- 
cause he ought to die to-morrow night. Oh! yes, 
you see, you see, and Jeeki hope that something 
not run away with you too. Major, because you 
ought be married at same time.” 

Hope not, I am sure,” answered Alan, and be- 
thinking him of Big Bonsa wallowing and scream- 
ing on the water and bleeding out white blood, he 
shivered a little. 

By this time, advancing at a trot, the Mungana 
running after them like a dog, they had entered 
the bush pierced with a few wandering paths. 
Along these paths they sped for hour after hour, 
Jeeki leading them without a moment’s hesitation. 
They met no man and heard nothing, except oc- 
casional weird sounds which Alan put down to 
wild beasts, but Jeeki and the Mungana said were 
produced by ghosts. Indeed it appeared that all 
this jungle was supposed to be haunted, and no 
Asiki would enter it at night, or unless he were 
very bold and protected by many charms, by day 
either. Therefore it was an excellent place for 
fugitives, who sorely needed a good start. 

At length the day began to dawn just as they 
reached the main road where it crossed the hills, 
whence on his journey thither Alan had his first 
view of Bonsa Town. Peering from the edge of 
the bush, they perceived a fire burning near the 
road and round it five or six men, who seemed to be 
asleep. Their first thought was to avoid them, but 


272 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the Mungana, creeping up to Alan, for Jeeki he 
would not approach, whispered : 

“ Not Asika, Ogula chief and slaves who left 
Bonsa Town yesterday.’’ 

They crept nearer the fire and saw that this w^as 
so. Then rejoicing exceedingly, they awoke the 
old chief, Fahni, who at first thought they must be 
spirits. But when he recognized Alan, he flung 
himself on his knees and kissed his hand, because 
to him he owed his liberty. 

No time for all that, Fahni,” said Alan. Give 
us food.” 

Now of this as it chanced there was plenty, since 
by the Asika’s orders the slaves had been laden with 
as much as they could carry. They ate of it raven- 
ously, and while they ate, told Fahni something of 
the story of their escape. The old chief listened 
amazed, but like Jeeki, asked Alan why he had not 
killed the Mungana, w^ho would have killed him. 

Alan, who was in no mood for long explanations, 
answered that he had kept him with them because 
he might be useful. 

Yes, yes. White Man, I see,” exclaimed the old 
cannibal, although he is so thin he will always 
make a meal or two at a pinch. Truly the white 
men are w ise and provident. Like the ants, they 
take thought for the morrow.” 

As soon as they had swallowed their food they 
started all together, for although Alan pointed out 
to Fahni that he might be safer apart, the old chief 
who had a real affection for him, would not be 
persuaded to leave him. 

“ Let us live or die together,” he said. 

Now Jeeki abandoning the main road, led them 
up a stream, walking in the w^ater so that their 
footsteps might leave no trace, and thus away into 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 273 

the barren mountains which rose betweeen them 
and the great swamp. On the crest of these moun- 
tains Alan turned and looked back towards Bonsa 
Town. There far across the fertile valley was the 
hateful, river-encircled place. There fell the great 
cataract in the roar of which he had lived for so 
many w^eeks. There were the black cedars and 
there gleamed the roofs of the Gold House, his 
prison where dw^elt the Asika and the dreadful 
fetishes of which she was the priestess. To him it 
was like the vision of a nightmare, he could scarcely 
think it real. And yet by this time doubtless they 
sought him far and wide. What mood, he won- 
dered, would the Asika be in when she learned of 
his escape and the fashion of it, and how would 
she greet him if he were recaptured and taken back 
to her? Well, he would not be recaptured. He had 
still some cartridges and he would fight till they 
killed him, or failing that, save the last of them 
for himself. Never, never could be endure to be 
dragged back to Bonsa Town there to live and die. 

They went on across the mountains, till in the 
afternoon once more they saw the road running 
beneath them like a ribbon, and at the end of it 
the lagoon. Now they rested a while and held a 
consultation while they ate. Across that lagoon 
they could not escape without a canoe. 

“ Lord,’^ said the Mungana presently, yesterday 
when these cannibals were let go a swift runner 
was sent forward commanding that a good boat 
should be provisioned and made ready for them, 
and by now doubtless this has been done. Let them 
descend to the road, walk on to the bay and ask 
for the boat. Look, yonder, far away a tongue of 
land covered with trees juts out into the lake. We 


274 


THE YELLOW GOD 


will make our way thither and after nightfall this 
chief can row back to it and take us into the canoe/^ 

Alan said that the plan was good, but Jeeki shook 
his head, asking what would happen if Fahni, find- 
ing himself safe upon the water, thought it wisest 
not to come to fetch them. 

Alan translated his words to the old chief, 
whereon Fahni wanted to fight Jeeki because of the 
slur that he had cast upon his honour. This chal- 
lenge Jeeki resolutely declined, saying that already 
there were plenty of ways to die in Asiki-land 
without adding another to them. Then Fahni swore 
by his tribal god and by the spirit of every man he 
had ever eaten, that he would come to that promon- 
tory after dark, if he were still alive. 

So they separated, Fahni and his men slipping 
down to the road, which they did without being 
seen by anyone, while Alan, Jeeki and the Mungana 
bore away to the right towards the promontory. 
The road was long and rough and, though by good 
fortune they met no one, since the few who dwelt 
in these wild parts had gone up to Bonsa Town 
to be present at the great feast, the sun was sink- 
ing before ever they reached the place. Moreover, 
this promontory proved to be covered with dense 
thorn scrub, through which they must force a way 
in the gathering darkness, not without hurt and dif- 
ficulty. Still they accomplished it and at length, 
quite exhausted, crept to the very point, where they 
hid themselves between some stones at the water’s 
edge. 

Here they waited for three long hours, but no 
boat came. 

All up a gum-tree now. Major,” said Jeeki. 

Old blackguard, Fanny, bolt and leave us here, 
and to-morrow morning Asika nobble us. Better 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 275 

have gone down to bay, steal his boat and leave 
him behind, because Asika no want him.” 

Alan made no answer. He was too tired, and 
although he trusted Fahni, it seemed likely enough 
that Jeeki was right, or perhaps the cannibals had 
not been able to get the boat. Well, he had done 
his best, and if Fate overtook them it was no fault 
of his. He began to doze, for even their imminent 
peril could not keep his eyes open, then presently 
awoke with a start, for in his sleep he thought he 
heard the sounds of paddles beating the quiet water. 
Yes, there dimly seen through the mist, was a canoe, 
and seated in the stern of it Fahni. So that danger 
had gone by also. 

He woke his companions, who slept at his side, 
and very silently they rose, stepping from rock to 
rock till they reached the canoe and entered it. It 
was not a large craft, barely big enough to hold 
them all indeed, but they found room, and then at 
a sign from Fahni the oarsmen gave way so heart- 
ily that within half an hour they had lost sight of 
the accursed shores of Asiki-land, although pres- 
ently its mountains showed up clearly beneath the 
moon. 

Meanwhile Fahni had told his tale. It appeared 
that when he reached the bay he found the Asiki 
headman who dwelt there, and those under him, in 
a state of considerable excitement. 

Rumours had reached them that someone had es- 
caped from Bonsa Town; they thought it was the 
Mungana. Fahni asked who had brought the ru- 
mour, whereon the headman answered that it came 
in a dream,’^ and would say no more. Then he 
demanded the canoe which had been promised to 
him and his people, and the headman admitted that 
it was ready in accordance with orders received 


276 


THE YELLOW GOD 


from the Asika, but demurred to letting him have 
it. A long argument followed, in the midst of 
which Fahni and his men got into the canoe, the 
headman apparently not daring to use force to pre- 
vent him. Just as they were pushing off a mes- 
senger arrived from Bonsa Town, reeling with 
exhaustion and his tongue hanging from his jaws, 
who called out that it was the white man who had 
escaped with his servant and the Mungana, and 
that although they were believed to be still hidden 
in the holy woods near Bonsa Town, none were 
to be allowed to leave the bay. So the headman 
shouted to Fahni to return, but he pretended not 
to hear and rowed away, nor did anyone attempt 
to follow him. Still it was only after nightfall 
that he dared to put the boat about and return to 
the headland to pick up Alan and the others as he 
had promised. That was all he had to say. 

Alan thanked him heartily for his faithfulness 
and they paddled on steadily, putting mile after 
mile of water between them and Asiki-land. He 
wondered whether he had seen the last of that 
country and its inhabitants. Something within 
him answered No. He was sure that the Asika 
would not allow him to depart in peace without 
making some desperate effort to recapture him. 
Far as he was away, it seemed to him that he could 
feel her fury hanging over him like a cloud, a 
cloud that would burst in a rain of blood. Doubt- 
less it would have burst already had it not been 
for the accident that he and his companions were 
still supposed to be hiding in the woods. But that 
error must be discovered, and then would come the 
pursuit. 

He looked at the full moon shining upon him and 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 277 

reflected that at this very hour he should have been 
seated upon the chair of state wedding, or rather 
being wedded by the Asika in the presence of Big 
Bonsa and all the people. His eye fell upon the 
Mungana, who had also been destined to play a 
prominent part in that ceremony. At once he 
saw that there was something wrong with the man. 
A curious change had come over his emaciated face. 
It was working like that of a maniac. Foam ap- 
peared upon his dyed lips, his haunted eyes rolled, 
his thin hands gripped the side of the canoe and 
he began to sing, or rather howl like a dog baying 
at the stars. Jeeki hit him on the head and bade 
him be silent, but he took no notice, even when he 
hit him again more heavily. Presently came the 
climax. The man sprang up in the canoe, causing 
it to rock from side to side. He pointed to the 
full moon above and howled more loudly than be- 
fore; he pointed to something that he seemed to 
see in the air near by and gibbered as though in 
terror. Then his eyes fixed themselves upon the 
water at which he stared. 

Harder and harder he stared, his head sinking 
lower every moment, till at length without another 
sound, very quietly and unexpectedly he went over 
the side of the boat. For a few seconds they saw 
his bright-coloured garments sinking to the depths, 
then he vanished. 

They waited a while, expecting that he would 
rise again. But he never rose. A shot- weigh ted 
corpse could not have disappeared more finally 
and completely. The thing was very awful, and 
for a while there was silence, which as usual was 
broken by Jeeki. 

That gay dog gone,’’ he said in a reflective voice. 


278 


THE YELLOW GOD 


All those old ghosts come to fetch him at proper 
time. No good run away from ghosts; they travel 
too quick; one jump, and pop up where you no 
expect. Well, more place for Jeeki now,’’ and he 
spread himself out comfortably in the empty seat, 
adding, like Mungana’s room much better than 
company, he go in scent-bath every day and stink 
too much, all that water never wash him clean.” 

Thus died the Mungana, and such was the poor 
wretch’s requiem. With a shiver Alan reflected 
that had it not been for him and his insane jeal- 
ousy, he too might have been expected to go into 
that same bath and have his face painted Lke a 
chorus girl. Only would he escape the spell that 
had destroyed his predecessor in the affections of 
the priestess of the Bonsas? Or would some dim 
power such as had drawn Mungana to the d6ath 
drag him back to the arms of the Asika or to Big 
Bonsa’s torture pit? He shuddered at the very 
thought of it, for all he had undergone and seen 
made him superstitious ; then bade the men paddle 
faster, ever faster. 

All that night they rowed on, taking turns to 
rest, except Alan and Jeeki, who slept a good deal 
and as a consequence awoke at dawn much re- 
freshed. When the sun rose they found themselves 
across the lagoon, over thirty miles from the bor- 
ders of Asiki-land, almost at the spot where the 
river up which they had travelled some months 
before, flowed out of the lake. Whether by chance 
or skill Fahni had steered a wonderfully straight 
course. Now, however, they were face to face 
with a new trouble, for scarcely had they begun to 
descend the river when they discovered that at this 
dry season of the year it was in many places too 
shallow to allow the canoe to pass over the sand 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 279 


and mud banks. Evidently there was but one 
thing to be done — abandon it and walk. 

So they landed, ate from their store of food and 
began a terrible and toilsome journey. On either 
side the river lay dessicated swamp covered with 
dead reeds ten or twelve feet high. Doubtless be- 
yond this swamp there was high land, but in order 
to reach this, if it existed, they would be obliged to 
force a path through miles of reeds before they 
thought it safer to follow the river bank. Their pro- 
gress was very slow, since continually they must 
make detours to avoid a quicksand or a creek, also 
the stones and scrubby growth delayed them so that 
fifteen or at most twenty miles was a good day’s 
march. 

Still they went on steadily, seeing no man, and 
when their food w^as exhausted, living on the fish 
which they caught in plenty in the shallows, and on 
young fiapper ducks that haunted the reeds. So 
at length they came to the main river into which 
this tributary fiowed, and camped there thankfully, 
believing that if any pursuit of them had been un- 
dertaken, it was abandoned. At least Alan and 
the rest believed this, but Jeeki did not. 

On the following morning, shortly after dawn, 
Jeeki awoke his master. 

Come here. Major,” he said in a solemn voice, 
I got something show you,” and he led him to the 
foot of an old wdllow tree, adding, now up you go. 
Major, and look.” 

So Alan went up and from the topmost fork of 
that tree saw a sight at which his blood turned 
cold. For there, not five miles behind them, on 
either side of the river bank, the light gleaming 
on their spears, marched two endless columns of 
men, who from their head-dresses he took to be 
Asiki. For a minute he looked, then descended 


280 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the tree and approaching the others, asked what 
was to be done. 

Hook, scoot, bolt, leg it ! exclaimed Jeeki 
emphatically, then he licked his finger, he held it 
up to the wind and added, but first fire reeds and 
make it hot for Bonsa crowd. 

This was a good suggestion and one on which 
they acted without delay. Taking red embers, they 
blew them to a fiame and lit torches, which they 
applied to the reeds over a width of several hun- 
dred yards. The strong northward wind soon did 
the rest; indeed within a quarter of an hour a 
vast sheet of fiame twenty or thirty feet in height 
was rushing towards the Asiki columns. Then they 
began their advance along the river bank, running 
at a steady trot, for here the ground was open. 

All that day they ran, pausing at intervals to 
get their breath, and at night rested because they 
must. When the light came upon the following 
morning they looked back from a little hill and 
saw the outposts of the Asiki advancing not a mile 
behind. Doubtless some of the army had been 
burned, but the rest, guessing their route, had 
forced a way through the reeds and cut across 
country. So they began to run again harder than 
before, and kept their lead during the morning, 
but when afternoon came the Asiki gained on 
them. Now they were breasting a long rise, the 
river running in the cleft beneath, and Jeeki, who 
seemed to be absolutely untiring, held Alan by 
the hand, Fahni following close behind. Two of 
their men had fallen down and been abandoned and 
the rest straggled. 

No go, Jeeki,^^ gasped Alan, they will catch 
us at the top of the hill.’^ 

Never say die. Major, never say die,^’ puffed 


THE END OF THE MUNGANA 281 

Jeeki, they get blown too and who know what 
other side of hill? ’’ 

Somehow they struggled to the crest and behold ! 
there beneath them was a great army of men. 

^^Ogula!” yelled Jeeki, ^^Ogula! Just what I 
tell you, Major, who know what other side of any 
hill.’’ 


CHAPTER XVIII 


A MEETING IN THE FOREST 

In five minutes more Alan and Jeeki were among 
the Ogula, who, having recognized their chief while 
he was yet some way off, greeted him with raptur- 
ous cheers and the clapping of hand. Then as there 
was no time for explanation, they retreated across 
a little stream which ran down the valley, four 
thousand or more of them, and prepared for battle. 
That evening, however, there was no fighting, for 
when the first of the Asiki reached the top of the 
rise and saw that the fugitives had escaped to the 
enemy, who were in strength, they halted and 
finally retired. 

Now Alan, and Fahni also, hoped that the pur- 
suit was abandoned, but again Jeeki shook his big 
head, saying: 

Not at all. Major, I know Asiki and their little 
ways. While one of them alive, not dare go back 
to Asika without you, Major.” 

Perhaps she is with them herself,” suggested 
Alan, and we might treat with her.” 

No, Major, Asika never leave Bonsa Town, that 
against law, and if she do so, priests make another 
Asika and kill her when they catch her.” 

After this a council of war was held, and it was 
decided to camp there that night, since the 
position was good to meet an attack if one should 
be made, and the Ogula were afraid of being caught 
on the march with their backs towards the enemy. 

S':.;., ■■■ . 282 j 


A MEETING IN THE FOREST 283 

Alan was glad enough to hear this decision, for 
he was quite worn out and ready to take any risk 
for a few hours’ rest. At this council he learned 
also that the Asiki bearers carrying his gold with 
their Ogula guides had arrived safely among the 
Ogula, who had mustered in answer to their chief’s 
call and were advancing towards Asiki-land, 
though the business was one that did not please 
them. As for these Asiki bearers, it seemed, they 
had gone on into the forest with the gold, and 
nothing more had been heard of them. 

As they were leaving the council Alan asked 
Jeeki if he had any tidings of his mother, who had 
been their first messenger. 

No, Major,” he answered gloomily, can’t 
learn nothing of my ma, don’t know where she is. 
Ogula camp no place for old girl if they short of 
chop and hungry. But p’raps she never get there ; 
I nose round and find out.” 

Apparently Jeeki did nose round ” to some pur- 
pose, for just as Alan was dropping off to sleep in 
his bough shelter a most fearful din arose without, 
through which he recognized the vociferations of 
Jeeki. Running out of the shelter he discovered 
his retainer and a great Ogula whom he knew again 
as the headman who had been imprisoned with 
him and freed by the Asika to guide the bearers, 
rolling over and over on the ground, watched by 
a curious crowd. Just as he arrived Jeeki, who, 
notwithstanding his years, was a man of enormous 
strength, got the better of the Ogula and kneeling 
on his stomach, was proceeding to throttle him. 
Rushing at him, Alan dragged him off and asked 
what was the matter. 

Matter, Major ! ” yelled the indignant Jeeki. 

My ma inside that black villian, that the matter. 


284 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Dirty cannibal got digestion of one ostrich and eat 
her up with his mates, all except one who not like 
her taste and tell me. They catch poor old lady 
asleep by road so stop and lunch at once when 
Asiki bearers not looking. Let me get at him, 
Major, let me get at him. If I canT bury my ma, 
as all good son ought to do, I bury him, which next 
best thing.’^ 

Jeeki, Jeeki,’^ said Alan, exercise a Christian 
spirit and let bygones be bygones. If you don’t, 
you will make a quarrel between us and the Ogula, 
and they will give us up to the Asiki. Perhaps 
the man did not eat your ma; I understand that 
he denies it, and when you remember what she 
was like, it seems incredible. At any rate he has 
a right to a trial, and I will speak to Fahni about 
it to-morrow.” 

So they were separated, but as it chanced that 
case never came on, for next morning this Ogula 
was killed in the fighting together with two of his 
companions, while the others involved in the charge, 
kept themselves out of sight. Whether Jeeki’s 
ma ” was or was not eaten by the Ogula no one 
ever learned for certain. At least she was never 
heard of any more. 

Alan was sleeping heavily when a sound of rush- 
ing feet and of strange, thrilling battle-cries awoke 
him. He sprang up, snatching at a spear and shield 
which Jeeki had provided for him, and ran out to 
find from the position of the moon that dawn was 
near. 

Come on, Major,” said Jeeki, “ the Asiki make 
night attack; they always like do everything at 
night who love darkness, because their eye evil. 
Come on quick. Major,” and he began to drag him 
off toward the rear. 


A MEETING IN THE FOEEST 285 

But that's the wrong way," said Alan presently. 

They are attacking over there." 

''Do you think Jeeki fool, Major, that he don't 
know that? He take you where they not attacking. 
Plenty Ogula to be killed, but not many white men 
like you, and in all world only one Jeeki ! " 

" You cold-blooded old scoundrel ! " ejaculated 
Alan as he turned and bolted back towards the 
noise of fighting, followed by his reluctant servant. 

By the time that he reached the first ranks, which 
were some way off, the worst of the attack was over. 
It had been short and sharp, for the Asiki had hoped 
to find the Ogula unprepared and to take their 
camp with a rush. But the Ogula, who knew their 
habits, were waiting for them, so that presently 
they withdrew, carrying off their wounded and 
leaving about fifty dead upon the ground. As soon 
as he was quite sure that the enemy were all gone, 
Jeeki, armed with a large battle-axe, went off to 
inspect these fallen soldiers. Alan, who was help- 
ing the Ogula wounded, wondered why he took so 
much interest in them. Half an hour later his curi- 
osity was satisfied, for Jeeki returned with over 
twenty heavy gold rings, torques, and bracelets 
slung over his shoulder. 

"Where did you get those, Jeeki? " he asked. 

" Off poor chaps what peg out just now. Major. 
Remember Asiki soldiers nearly always wear these 
things and that they no more use to them now. 
But if ever he get out of this Jeeki want spend his 
old age in respectable peace. So he fetch them. 
Hard work, though, for rings all in one bit and 
Asiki very tough to chop. Don't look cross. Major ; 
you remember what 'postle say, that he who no 
provide for his own self worse than cannibal." 


286 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Just then Fahni came up and announced that the 
Asiki general had sent a messenger into the camp 
proposing terms of peace. 

What terms? asked Alan. 

These, White Man : that we should surrender 
you and your servant and go our way unharmed.” 

Indeed, Fahni, and what did you answer? ” 

White Man, I refused, hut I tell you,” he added 
warningly, that my captains wished to accept. 
They said that I had come back to them safe and 
that they fear the Asiki, who are devils, not men, 
and who will bring the curse of Bonsa on them if 
they go on fighting with them. Still I refused, say- 
ing that if they gave you up I would go with you, 
who saved my life from the lion and afterwards 
from the priests of Bonsa. So the messenger wenn 
back and. White Man, we march at once, and I 
pray you always to keep close to me that I may 
watch over you.” 

Then began that long tramp down the river, 
which Alan always thought afterwards tried him 
more than any of the terrible events of his escape. 
For although there was but little fighting, only rear- 
guard actions indeed, every day the Asiki sent 
messengers renewing their offers of peace on the 
sole condition of the surrender of himself and 
Jeeki. At last one . evening they came to that very 
place where Alan first met the Ogula, and once 
more he camped upon the island on which he had 
shot the lion. At nightfall, after he had eaten, 
Fahni visited him here and Alan boded evil from 
his face. 

White Man,” he said, I can protect you no 
longer. The Asiki messengers have been with us 
again and they say that unless we give you up to- 
morrow at the dawn, their army will push on ahead 


A MEETING IN THE FOKEST 287 

of us and destroy my town, which is two days' march 
down the river, and all the women and children in 
it, and that afterwards they will fight a great battle 
with us. Therefore my people say that I must give 
you up, or that if I do not they will elect another 
chief and do so themselves." 

Then you will give up a dead man, Fahni." 

Friend," said the old chief in a low voice, the 
night is dark and the forest not so far away. More- 
over, I have set no guards on that side of the river, 
and Jeeki here does not forget a road that he has 
travelled. Lastly, I have heard it said that there 
are some other white people with soldiers camped in 
the edge of the forest. Now, if you were not here 
in the morning, how could I give you up? " 

I understand, Fahni. You have done your best 
for me, and now, good-night. Jeeki and I are 
going to take a walk. Sometimes you will think of 
the months we spent together in Bonsa-Town, will 
you not? " 

Yes, and of you also. White Man, for so long as 
I shall live. Walk fast and far, for the Asiki are 
clever at following a spoor. Good-night, Friend, 
and to you, Jeeki, the cunning good-night also. I 
go to tell my captains that I will surrender you at 
dawn," and without more words he vanished out of 
their sight and out of their lives. 

Meanwhile Jeeki, foreseeing the issue of this talk, 
was already engaged in doing up their few belong- 
ings, including the gold rings, some food, and a 
native cooking pot, in a bundle surrounded by a 
couple of bark blankets. 

Come on. Major," he said, handing Alan one 
spear and taking another himself. Old cannibal 
quite right, very nice night for walk. Come on, 
Major, river shallow just here. I think this happen 


288 


THE YELLOW GOD 


and try it before dark. You just follow Jeeki, that 
all you got to do.’^ 

So leaving the fire burning in front of their bough 
shelter, they waded the stream and started up the 
opposing slope, meeting no man. Dark as it was, 
Jeeki seemed to have no difficulty in finding the 
way, for as Fahni said, a native does not forget the 
path he has once travelled. All night long they 
walked rapidly, and when dawn broke found them- 
selves at the edge of the forest. 

Jeeki, said Alan, what did Fahni mean by 
that tale about white people? 

Don’t know. Major, think perhaps he lie to let 
you down easy. My golly ! what that? ” 

As he spoke a distant echo reached their ears, 
the echo of a rifie shot. Think Fanny not lie after 
all,” went on Jeeki; “ that white man’s gun, sharp 
crack, smokeless powder, but wonder how he come 
in this place. Well, we soon find out. Come on. 
Major.” 

Tired as they were they broke into a run; the 
prospect of seeing a white face again was too much 
for them. Half a mile or so further on they caught 
sight of a figure evidently engaged in stalking a 
buck among the trees, or so they judged from his 
cautious movements. 

“ White man ! ” said Jeeki, and Alan nodded. 

They crept forward silently and with care, for 
who knew what this white man might be after, 
keeping a great tree between them and the man, till 
at length, passing round its bole, they found them- 
selves face to face with him and not five yards 
away. Notwithstanding his unaccustomed tropical 
dress and his face burnt copper colour by the sun 
Alan knew the man at once. 

“ Ay 1 ward ! ” he gasped ; Ay 1 ward ! You here? ” 


A MEETING IN THE FOKEST 289 

He started. He stared at Alan. Then his counte- 
nance changed. Its habitual calm broke up as it 
was wont to do in moments of deep emotion. It 
became very evil, as though some demon of hate and 
jealousy were at work behind it. The thin lips 
quivered, the eyes glared, and without spoken word 
or warning, he lifted the rifle and fired straight at 
Alan. The bullet missed him, for the aim was high. 
Passing over Alan’s head, it cut a neat groove 
through the hair of the taller Jeeki, who was im- 
mediately behind him. 

Next instant, with a spring like that of a tiger 
Jeeki was on Aylward. The weight of his charge 
knocked him backwards to the ground, and there 
he lay, pinned fast. 

What for you do that? ” exclaimed the indig- 
nant Jeeki. What for you shoot through wool of 
respectable nigger. Sir Robert Aylward, Bart? Now 
I throttle you, you dirty pig-swine. No Magistrates’ 
Court here in Dwarf Forest,” and he began to suit 
the action to the word. 

Let him go, Jeeki. Take his rifle and let him 
go,” exclaimed Alan, who all this while had stood 
amazed. There must be some mistake, he cannot 
have meant to murder me.” 

Don’t know what he mean, but know his bullet 
go through my hair. Major, and give me new part- 
ing,” grumbled Jeeki as he obeyed. 

Of course it was a mistake, Vernon, for I sup- 
pose it is Vernon,” said Aylward, as he rose. I 
do not wonder that your servant is angry, but the 
truth is that your sudden appearance frightened me 
out of my wits and I fired automatically. We have 
been living in some danger here and my nerves are 
not as strong as they used to be.” 

Indeed,” answered Alan. No, Jeeki will carry 


290 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the rifle for you; yes, and I think that pistol also, 
every ounce makes a difference walking in a hot 
climate, and I remember that you always were 
dangerous with firearms. There, you will be more 
comfortable so. And now, who do you mean by 
' we^?’^ 

I mean Barbara and myself,^’ he answered 
slowly. 

Alan’s jaw dropped, he shook upon his feet. 

Barbara and yourself ! ” he said. Do I under- 
stand ” 

Don’t you understand nothing. Major,” broke 
in Jeeki. Don’t you believe one word what this 
pig dog say. If Miss Barbara marry him he no want 
shoot you ; he ask you to tea to see the Missus and 
how much she love him, ducky ! We just go on and 
call on Miss Barbara and hear the news. Walk up. 
Sir Robert Aylward, Bart., and show us which 
way.” 

I do not choose to receive you and your imper- 
tinent servant at my camp,” said Aylward, grind- 
ing his teeth. 

We quite understand that. Sir Robert Ayl- 
ward.” 

Lord Aylw^ard, if you please. Major Vernon.” 

I beg your pardon — Lord Aylw^ard. I w^as 
aware of the contemplated purchase of that title, I 
did not know that it had been completed. I w^as 
about to add that all the same w^^e mean to go to 
that camp, and that if any violence towards us is 
attempted as we approach it, you will remember 
that you are in our hands.” 

“ Yes, my Lord,” added Jeeki, bowdng, and that 
monkeys don’t tell no tales, my Lord, and that here 
there ain’t no twelve Good-Trues to sit on noble 


A MEETING IN THE FOREST 291 

corpse unhappily deceased, my Lord, and to bring 
in verdict of done to death lawful or unlawful, 
according as evidence may show when got, my Lord. 
So march on, for we no breakfast yet. No, not that 
way, round here to left, where I think I hear kettle 
sing.’^ 

So having no choice, Aylward came, marching 
between the other two and saying nothing. When 
they had gone a couple of hundred yards Alan also 
heard something, and to him it sounded like a man 
crying out in pain. Then suddenly they passed 
round some great trees and reached a glade in the 
forest where there was a spring of water which 
Alan remembered. In this glade the camp had been 
built, surrounded by a “ boma or palisade of 
rough wood, within which stood two tents and some 
native shelters made of tall grass and boughs. Out- 
side of this camp a curious and unpleasant scene 
was in progress. 

To a small tree that grew there was tied a man, 
whom from the fashion of his hair Alan knew to 
belong to the Coast negroes, while two great fellows, 
evidently of another tribe, flogged him unmercifully 
with hide whips. 

Ah ! ’’ exclaimed Jeeki, that the kettle what I 
hear sing. Think you better take him off the Are, 
my Lord, or he boil over. Also his brothers no seem 
to like that music,^^ and he pointed to a number of 
other men who were standing round watching the 
scene with sullen dissatisfaction. 

“A matter of camp discipline,’’ muttered Ayl- 
ward. This man has disobeyed orders.” 

By now Jeeki was shouting something to the 
natives in an unknown tongue, which they seemed 
to understand well enough. At any rate the flog- 


292 


THE YELLOW GOD 


ging ceased, the two fellows who were inflicting it 
slunk away, and the other men ran towards them, 
shouting back as they came. 

All right. Major. You please stop here one 
minute with my Lord, late Bart, of Bloody Hand. 
Some of these chaps friends of mine, I meet them 
Old Calabar while we get ready to march last rains. 
Now I have little talk with them and find out thing 
or two.’^ 

Aylward began to bluster about interference with 
his servants and so forth. J eeki turned on him with 
a very ugly grin, and showing his white teeth, as 
was his fashion when he grew fierce. 

“ Beg pardon. Eight Honourable Lord,’’ he said, 
or rather snarled, you do what I tell you just to 
please Jeeki. Jeeki no one in England, but Jeeki 
damn big Lord too out here, great medicine man, 
pal of Little Bonsa. You remember Little Bonsa, 
eh! These chaps think it great honour to meet 
Jeeki, so. Major, if he stir, please shoot him through 
head; Jeeki ’sponsible, not you. Or if you not like 
do it, I come back and see to job myself and don’t 
think those fellows cry very much.” 

There was something about Jeeki’s manner 
that frightened Aylward, who understood for the 
first time that beneath all the negro’s grotesque 
talk lay some dreadful iron purpose. At any rate 
he halted with Alan, who stood beside him, the 
revolver of which Aylward had been relieved by 
Jeeki, in his hand. Meanwhile Jeeki, who held the 
rifle which he had reloaded, went on and met the 
natives about twenty yards away. 

We always disliked each other, Vernon, but I 
must say that I never thought a day would come 
when you proposed to murder me in my own camp,” 
said Aylward. 


A MEETING IN THE FOREST 293 

“ Odd thing, answered Alan, “ but a very similar 
idea was in my mind. I never thought. Lord Ayl- 
ward, that however unscrupulous you might be — 
financially, a day could come when you would at- 
tempt to shoot down an unarmed man in an African 
forest. Oh ! donT waste breath in lying ; I saw you 
recognize me, aim, and fire, after which Jeeki would 
have had the other barrel, and who then would have 
remained to tell the story. Lord Ay 1 ward? ’’ 

Ay 1 ward made no answer, but Alan felt that if 
wishes could kill him he would not live long. His 
eye fell upon a long, unmistakable mound of fresh 
earth, beneath a tree. He calculated its length, and 
with a thrill of terror noticed that it was too small 
for a negro. 

Who is buried there? he asked. 

Find out for yourself,’’ was the sneering answer. 

“ Don’t be afraid. Lord Aylward ; I shall find put 
everything in time.” 

The conversation between Jeeki and the natives 
proceeded, their heads were close together ; it grew 
animated. They seemed to be coming to some de- 
cision. Presently one of them ran and cut the 
lashings of the man who had been bound to the 
tree, and he staggered towards them and joined in 
the talk, pointing to his wounds. Then the two 
fellows who had been engaged in flogging him, ac- 
companied by eight companions of the same type — 
they appeared to be soldiers, for they carried guns — 
swaggered towards the group who were being 
addressed by Jeeki, of whom Alan counted twenty- 
three. As they approached Jeeki made some sug- 
gestion which, after one hesitating moment, the 
others seemed to accept, for they nodded their 
heads and separated out a little. 

Jeeki stepped forward and asked a question of 


294 


THE YELLOW GOD 


the soldiers, to which they replied with a derisive 
shout. Then without a word of warning he lifted 
Aylward’s express rifle which he carried, and fired 
first one barrel and then the other, shooting the tw^o 
leading soldiers dead. Their companions halted 
amazed, but before they could lift their guns, Jeeki 
and those with him rushed at them and began stab- 
bing those with spears and striking them with 
sticks. In three minutes it was over without another 
shot being fired. Most of them were despatched, and 
the others, throwing down their guns, had fled 
wounded into the forest. 

Now shouting in jubilation some of the men began 
to drag away the dead bodies, while others collected 
the rifles and the remainder, headed by Jeeki, ad- 
vanced towards Alan and Aylward, waving their 
red spears. Alan stood staring, for he did not in 
the least understand the meaning of what had hap- 
pened, but Aylward, who had turned very pale, 
addressed Jeeki, saying: 

I suppose that you have come to murder me 
also, you black villain.’’ 

No, no, my Lord,” answered Jeeki politely, 
“ not at present. Also that wrong word, execute, 
not murder, just what you do to some of these poor 
devils,” and he pointed to the mob of porters. Be- 
sides, mustn’t kill holy white man, poor black chap 
don’t matter, plenty more where he come from. 
Think we all go see Miss Barbara now. You come 
too, my Lord Bart., but p’raps best tie your hands 
behind you first; if you want scratch head, I do it 
for you. That only fair, you scratch mine this 
morning.” 

Then at a word from Jeeki some of the natives 
sprang on Aylward and tied his hands behind his 
back. 


A MEETING IN THE FOEEST 295 

Is Miss Barbara alive? said Alan to Jeeki in 
an agonized whisper, at the same time nodding 
towards the grave that was so ominously short. 

Hope so, think so, these cards say so, but God 
He know alone,’^ answered Jeeki. Go and look, 
that best way to find out.’^ 

So they advanced into the camp through a nar- 
row gateway made of a V-shaped piece of wood, to 
where the two tents were placed in its inner divi- 
sion. Of these tents the first was open, whereas the 
second was closed. As the open tent was obviously 
empty, they advanced to the second, whereof Jeeki 
began to loosen the lashings of the fiap. It was a 
long business, for they seemed to have been care- 
fully knotted inside ; indeed at last, growing impa- 
tient, Jeeki cut the cord, using the curved knife 
with which the Mungana had tried to kill Alan. 

Meanwhile Alan was suffering torments, being 
convinced that Barbara was dead and buried in that 
new-made grave beneath the trees. He could not 
speak, he could scarcely stand, and yet a picture 
began to form in his numb mind. He saw himself 
seated in the dark in the treasure-house at Bonsa- 
Town ; he saw a vision in the air before him. Lo ! 
the tent door opened and that vision reappeared. 
There was the pale Barbara seated, weeping. There 
again, as he entered she sprang up and, snatching 
the pistol that lay beside her, turned it to her breast. 
Then she perceived him and the pistol sank down- 
wards till from her relaxed hand it dropped to the 
ground. She threw up her arms and without a 
sound fell backwards, or would have fallen, had he 
not caught her. 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKI 

Barbara had recovered. She sat upon her bed 
in the tent and by her sat Alan, holding her hand, 
while before them stood Aylward like a prisoner 
in the dock, and behind him the armed Jeeki. 

Tell me the story, Barbara,^’ said Alan, and 
tell it briefly, for I cannot bear much more of this.’^ 
She looked at him and began in a slow, even 
voice : 

After you had gone, dear, things went on as 
usual for a month or two. Then came the great 
Sahara Company trouble. First there were rumours 
and the shares began to go down. My uncle bought 
them in by tens and hundreds of thousands, to hold 
up the market, because he was being threatened, but 
of course he did not know then that Lord Aylward — 
for I forgot to tell you, he had become a lord some-"* 
how — was secretly one of the principal sellers, let 
him deny it if he can. At last the Ottoman Govern- 
ment, through the English ambassador, published 
its repudiation of the concession, which it seems 
was a forgery, actually executed or obtained in 
Constantinople by my uncle. Well, there was a 
fearful smash. Writs were taken out against my 
uncle, but before they could be served, he died sud- 
denly of heart disease. I was with him at the time 
and he kept saying he saw that gold mask which 
Jeeki calls Bonsa, the thing you took back to Africa. 
He had a flne funeral, for what he had done was not 

296 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKIS 297 

publicly known, and when his Avill was opened I 
found that he had left me his fortune, but made 
Lord Aylward there my trustee until I came to the 
full age of twenty-five under my father’s will. Alan, 
don’t force me to tell you what sort of a guardian 
he was to me ; also there was no fortune, it had all 
gone; also I had very, very little left, for almost all 
my own money had gone too. In his despair he had 
forged papers to get it in order to support those 
Sahara Syndicate shares. Still I managed to bor- 
row about £2000 from that little lawyer out of the 
£5000 that remain to me, an independent sum which 
he was unable to touch, and, Alan, with it I came 
to find you. 

Alan, Lord Ay^lward followed me ; although 
everybody else was ruined, he remained rich, very, 
very rich, they say, and his fancy was to marry me, 
also I think it was not comfortable for him in Eng- 
land. It is a long tale, but I got up here with about 
five-and-twenty servants, and Snell, my maid, whom 
you remember. Then we were both taken ill with 
some dreadful fever and had it not been for those 
black people, I should have died, for I have been 
very sick, Alan. But they nursed me and I recov- 
ered ; it was poor Snell who died, they buried her a 
few days ago. I thought that she would live, but 
she had a relapse. Next Lord Aylward appeared 
with twelve soldiers and some porters who, I be- 
lieve, have run away now, — oh ! you can guess, you 
can guess. He wanted my people to carry me away 
somewhere, to the coast, I suppose, but they were 
faithful to me and would not. Then he set his sol- 
diers on to maltreat them. They shot several of 
them and fiogged them on every opportunity; they 
were hogging one of them just now, I heard them. 
Well, the poor men made me understand that they 


298 THE YELLOW GOD 

could bear it no longer and must do what he told 
them. 

And so, Alan, as I was quite hopeless and help- 
less, I made up my mind to kill myself, hoping that 
God would forgive me and that I should find you 
somewhere, perhaps after sleeping a while, for it 
was better to die than to be given into the power — of 
that man. I thought that he was coming for me 
just now and I was about to do it, but it was you 
instead, Alan, you^ and only just in time. That is 
all the story, and I hope you will not think that I 
have acted very foolishly, but I did it for the best. 
If you only knew what I have suffered, Alan, what 
I have gone through in one way and another, I am 
sure that you would not judge me harshly; also I 
kept dreaming that you were in trouble and wanted 
me to come to you, and of course I knew where you 
were gone and had that map. Send him away, 
Alan, for I am still so weak and I cannot bear the 
sight of his face. If you knew everything, you 
would understand.’^ 

Alan turned on Aylward and in a cold, quiet 
voice asked him what he had to say to this story. 

I have to say. Major Vernon, that it is a clever 
mixture of truth and falsehood. It is true that your 
cousin, Champers-Haswell, has been proved guilty 
of some very shameful conduct. For instance it 
appears that he did forge, or rather cause to be 
forged that Firman from the Sultan, although I 
knew nothing of this until it was publicly repudi- 
ated. It is also true that fearing exposure he en- 
tirely lost his head and spent not only his own great 
fortune but that of Miss Champers also, in trying 
to support Sahara shares. I admit also that I sold 
many hundreds and thousands of those shares in 
the ordinary way, having made up my mind to retire 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKIS 299 

from business when I was raised to the peerage. I 
admit further, what you knew before, that I was 
attached to Miss Champers and wished to marry 
her. Why should I not, especially as I had a good 
deal to offer to a lady who has been proved to be 
almost without fortune? 

“ For the rest she set out secretly on this mad 
journey to Africa, whither both my duty as her 
trustee and my affection prompted me to follow 
her. I found her here recovering from an illness, 
and since she has dwelt upon the point, in self- 
defence I must tell you that whatever has taken 
place between us, has been with her full consent 
and encouragement. Of course I allude only to 
those affectionate amenities which are common be- 
tween people who purpose to marry as soon as 
opportunity may offer.’’ 

At this declaration poor Barbara gasped and 
leaned back against her pillow. Alan stood silent, 
though his lips turned white, while Jeeki thrust his 
big head through the tent opening and stared up- 
wards. 

What are you looking at, Jeeki?” asked Alan 
irritably. 

Seem to want air. Major, also look to see if 
clouds tumble. Believe partickler big lie do that 
sometimes. Please go on, O good Lord, for Jeeki 
want his breakfast.” 

As regards the execution of two of Miss Cham- 
pers’ bearers and the flogging of some others, these 
punishments were inflicted for mutiny,” went on 
Aylward. It was obviously necessary that she 
should be moved back to the coast, but I found out 
that they were trying to desert her in a body and 
to tamper with my own servants, and so was obliged 
to take strong measures.” 


300 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Sure those clouds come down now/’ soliloquized 
Jeeki, or least something rummy happen.” 

I have only to add, Major Vernon, that unless 
you make away with me first, as I daresay you will, 
as soon as we reach civilization again I shall pro- 
ceed against you and this fellow for the cold-blooded 
murder of my men, in punishment of which I hope 
yet to live to see you hanged. Meanwhile, I have 
much pleasure in releasing Miss Champers from 
her engagement to me which, whatever she may have 
said to you in England, she was glad enough to 
enter on here in Africa, a country of which I have 
been told the climate frequently deteriorates the 
moral character.” 

Hear, hear!” ejaculated Jeeki, he say some- 
thing true at last, by accident, I think, like pig what 
find pearl in muck-heap.” 

Hold your tongue, Jeeki,” said Alan. I do not 
intend to kill you. Lord Aylward, or to do you any 
harm ” 

Nor I neither,” broke in Jeeki, all I do to my 
Lord just for my Lord’s good; who Jeeki that he 
wish to hurt noble British ’ristocrat? ” 

But I do intend that it shall be impossible that 
Miss Champers should be forced to listen to more 
of your insults,” went on Alan, and to make sure 
that your gun does not go off again as it did this 
morning. So, Lord Aylward, until we have settled 
what we are going to do, I must keep you under 
arrest. Take him to his tent, Jeeki, and put a guard 
over him.” 

Yes, Major, certainly. Major. Eight turn, 
march! my Lord, and quick, please, since poor, 
common Jeeki not want dirty his black finger 
touching you.” 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKI 301 

Aylward obeyed, but at the door of the tent swung 
round and favoured Alan with a very evil look. 

Luck is with you for the moment, Major Ver- 
non,” he said, “but if you are wise you will re- 
member that you never have been and never will 
be my match. It will turn again, I have no doubt, 
and then you may look to yourself, for I warn you 
I am a bad enemy.” 

Alan did not answer, but for the first time Bar- 
bara sprang to her feet and spoke. 

“ You mean that you are a bad man. Lord Ayl- 
w^ard, and a coward too, or otherwise you would not 
have tortured me as you have done. Well, when it 
seemed impossible that I should escape from you 
except in one w^ay, I was saved by another of which 
I never dreamed. Now" I tell you that I do not fear 
you any more. But I think,” she added slowly, 
“ that you would do well to fear for yourself. I 
don’t know why, but it comes into my mind that 
though neither Alan nor I shall lift a finger against 
you, you have a great deal of which to be afraid. 
Remember what I said to you months ago when you 
were angry because I would not marry you. I be- 
lieve it is all coming true. Lord Aylwards.” Then 
Barbara turned her back upon him, and that was 
the last time that either she or Alan ever saw his 
face. 

He was gone and Barbara, her head upon her 
lover’s shoulder and her sweet eyes filled w"ith tears 
of joy and gratitude, w^as beginning to tell him 
everything that had befallen her wdien suddenly 
they heard a loud cough outside the tent. 

“ It’s that confounded Jeeki,” said Alan, and he 
called to him to come in. 

“ What’s the matter now ? ” he asked crossly. 


302 


THE YELLOW GOD 


Breakfast, Major. His lordship got plenty good 
stores, borrow some from him and give him chit. 
Coming in one minute — hot coffee, kipper herring, 
rasher bacon, also butter (best Danish), and Bath 
Oliver biscuit.’^ 

« Very well,’’ said Alan, but Jeeki did not move. 

Very well,” repeated Alan. 

No, Major, not very well, very ill. Thought 
those lies bring down clouds.” 

What do you mean, Jeeki? ” 

Mean, Major, that Asikis smelling about this 
camp. Porter-man what go to fetch water see them. 
Also believe they catch rest of those soldier chaps 
and polish them, for porter-man hear the row.” 

Alan sprang up with an exclamation ; in his new- 
found joy he had forgotten all about the Asiki. 

Keep hair on. Major,” said Jeeki cheerfully; 

don’t think they attack yet, plenty of time for 
breakfast first. When they come we make it very 
hot for them, lots of rifle and cartridge now.” 

Can’t we run away? ” asked Barbara. 

No, Missy, can’t run; must stop here and do 
best. Camp well built, open all round, don’t think 
they take it. You leave everything to Jeeki, he see 
you through, but p’raps you like come breakfast 
outside, where you know all that go on.” 

Barbara did like, but as it happened they were 
allowed to consume their meal in peace, since no 
Asiki appeared. As soon as it was swallowed she 
returned to her tent, while Alan and Jeeki set to 
work to strengthen the defences of the little camp 
as well as they were able, and to make ready and 
serve out the arms and ammunition. 

About midday a man whom they had posted in a 
tree that grew inside the camp announced that he 


THE LAST OP THE ASIKI 303 

saw the enemy, and next moment a company of 
them rushed towards them across the open and 
were greeted by a volley which killed and wounded 
several men. At this exhibition of miraculous 
power, for none of these soldiers had ever heard the 
report of firearms or seen their effect, they retreated 
rapidly, uttering shouts of dismay and carrying 
their dead and wounded with them. 

'' Do you suppose they have gone, Jeeki? asked 
Alan anxiously. 

He shook his head. 

'' Think not. Major, think they frightened, by big 
bullet magic, and go consult j)riest. Also only a 
few of them here, rest of army come later and try 
rush us to-morrow morning before dawn. That 
Asiki custom.^’ 

Then what shall we do, Jeeki? Kun for it or 
stop here? 

Think must stop here. Major. If we bolt, carry- 
ing Miss Barbara, who can’t walk much, they follow 
on spoor and catch us. Best stick inside this fence 
and see what happen. Also once outside p’raps 
porters desert and leave us.” 

So as there was nothing else to do they stayed, 
labouring all day at the strengthening of their forti- 
fications till at length the boma or fence of boughs, 
supported by earth, was so high and thick that 
while men were left to fire through the loopholes, it 
would be very difficult to storm by men armed with 
spears. 

It was a dreadful and arduous day for Alan, who 
now had Barbara’s safety to think of, Barbara 
with whom as yet he had scarcely found time to 
exchange a word. By sunset indeed he was so worn 
out with toil and anxiety that he could scarcely 
stand upon his feet. Jeeki, who all that afternoon 


304 


THE YELLOW GOD 


had been strangely quiet and reflective, surveyed 
him critically, then said: 

You have good drink and go sleep a bit, Major. 
Very good little shelter there by Miss Barbara’s 
tent, and you hold her hand if you like underneath 
the canvas, which comforting and all correct. Jeeki 
never get tired, he keep good lookout and let you 
know if anything happen, and then you jump up 
quite fresh and flght like tom-cat in corner.” 

At flrst Alan refused to listen, but when Barbara 
added her entreaties to those of Jeeki he gave way, 
and ten minutes later was as soundly asleep as he 
had ever been in his life. 

Keep eye on him. Miss Barbara, and call me if 
he wake. Now I go give noble lord his supper and 
see that he quite comfortable. Jeeki seem very busy 
to-night, just like when Major have dinner-party at 
Yarleys and old cook get drunk in kitchen.” 

If Barbara could have followed Jeeki’s move- 
ments for the next few hours, she would probably 
have agreed that he was busy. First he went to 
Aylward’s tent, and as he had said he would, gave 
him his supper, and with it half a bottle of whisky 
from the stores which he had been carrying about 
with him for some time, as he said, to prevent the 
porters from getting at it. Aylward would eat 
little, though as his arms were tied to the tent-pole, 
Jeeki sat beside him and fed him like a baby, con- 
versing pleasantly with him the while, informing 
him amongst other things that he had better say 
big prayer,” because the Asiki would probably cut 
his throat before morning. 

Aylward, who was in a state of sullen fury, 
scarcely replied to this talk, except to say that if 
so, there was one comfort, they would cut his and 
his master’s also. 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKI 305 

Yes, my Lord,’’ answered Jeeki, that quite 
true, so drink to next meeting, though I think you 
go different place to me, and when you got tail and 
I wing, you horn and I crown of glory, of course we 
not talk much together,” and he held a mug of 
whisky and water — a great deal of whisky and a 
very little water — to his prisoner’s mouth. 

Aylward drained it, feeling a need for stimulant. 

There,” said Jeeki, holding it upside down, 
you drink every drop and not offer one to poor 
old Jeeki. Well, he turned teetotaller, so no matter. 
Good-night, my Lord, I call you if Asiki come.” 

Who are the Asiki? ” asked Aylward drowsily. 

Oh ! you want know? I tell you,” and he began 
a long, rambling story. 

Before ever he came to the end of it Aylward had 
fallen on his side and was fast asleep. 

Dear me ! ” said Jeeki, contemplating him, 
that whisky very strong, though bottle say same 
as they drink in House of Common. That whisky 
so strong I think I pour away rest of it,” and he did 
to the last drop, even taking the trouble to wash 
out the bottle with water. Now you no tempt 
anyone,” he said, addressing the said bottle with a 
very peculiar smile, or if you tejmpt, at least do 
no harm — like kiss down telephone ! ” Then he laid 
down the bottle on its side and left the tent. 

Outside of it three of the head porters, who ap- 
peared to be friends of his, were waiting for him, 
and with these men he engaged in low and earnest 
conversation. Next, after they had arrived at some 
agreement, which they seemed to ratify by a curious 
oath that involved their crossing and clasping hands 
in an odd fashion, and other symbols known to the 
African secret societies, Jeeki went the round of the 
camp to see that everyone was at his post. Then 


306 


THE YELLOW GOD 


he did what most people would have thought a very 
strange and dangerous thing, namely climbed the 
fence and vanished into the forest, where presently 
a sound was heard as of an owl hooting. 

A little while later and another owl began to hoot 
in the distance, whereat the three head porters 
nudged each other. Perhaps they had heard such 
owls hoot before at night, and perhaps they knew 
that Jeeki, who had passed Bonsa,’’ could only be 
harmed by the direct command of Bonsa speaking 
through the mouth of the Asika herself. Still they 
might have been interested in the nocturnal con- 
versation of those two owls, which, as is common 
with such magical fowl in West Africa, had trans- 
formed themselves into human shapes, the shape 
of Jeeki and the shape of an Asiki priest. 

Very good. Brother,’’ said Owl No. 1; all you 
want is this white man whom the Asika desires for 
a husband. Well, I have done my best for him, but 
I must think of myself and others, and he goes to 
great happiness. I have given him something to 
make him sleep, do you come presently with eight 
men, no more, or we shall kill you, to the fence of 
the camp, and we will hand over the white man, 
Vernoon, to you to take back to the Asika, who will 
give you a wonderful reward, such a reward as you 
have never imagined. Now let me hear your word.” 

Then Owl No. 2 answered: 

Brother, I make the bargain on behalf of the 
army, and swear to it by the double swimming head 
of Bonsa. We will come and take the white man, 
Vernoon, who is to be Mungana, and carry him 
away. In return we promise not to follow or molest 
you, or any others in your camp. Indeed, why 
should we, who do not desire to be killed by the 
dreadful magic that you have, a magic that makes 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKI 307 

a noise and pierces through our bodies from afar? 
What wejje the words of the Asika? ‘ Bring back 
Vernoon, or perish. I care for nothing else, bring 
back Vernoon to be my husband.’ ” 

Good,” said Owl No. 1, within the half of an 
hour Vernoon shall be ready for you.” 

“Good,” answered Owl No. 2, “within half an 
hour eight of us will be without the east face of 
your camp to receive him.” 

“ Silently? ” 

“ Silently, my brother in Bonsa. If he cries out 
we will gag him. Fear not, none shall know your 
part in this matter.” 

“ Good, my brother in Bonsa. By the way, how 
is Big Bonsa? I fear that the white man, Vernoon, 
hurt him very much, and that is why I give him up 
— because of his sacrilege.” 

“ When I left the god was very sick and all the 
people mourned, but doubtless he is immortal.” 

“ Doubtless he is immortal, my brother, a little 
hard magic in his stomach — if he has one — cannot 
hurt him. Farewell, dear brother in Bonsa, I wish 
that I were you to get the great reward that the 
Asika will give to you. Farewell, farewell.” 

Then the two owls flitted apart again, hooting as 
they went, till they came to their respective camps. 

Jeeki was in the tent performing a strange toilet 
upon the sleeping Aylward by the light of a single 
candle. From his pouch he produced the mask of 
linen painted with gold that Alan used to be forced 
to wear, and tied it securely over Aylward’s face, 
murmuring : 

You always love gold, my Lord Aylward, and 
Jeeki promise you see plenty of it now.” 

Then he proceeded to remove his coat, his waist- 


308 


THE YELLOW GOD 


coat, his socks, and his boots and to replace these 
articles of European attire by his own worn Asiki 
sandals and his own dirty Asiki robe. 

There,’’ he said, think that do,” and he studied 
him by the light of the candle. Same height, same 
colour hair, same dirty old clothes, and as Asiki 
never see Major’s face because he always wear mask 
in public, like as two peas on shovel. Oh my ! J eeki 
clever chap, Jeeki devilish clever chap. But when 
Asika pull off that mask to give him true lover kiss, 
OH MY ! wonder what happen then? Think whole of 
Bonsa-Town bust up ; think big waterfall run back- 
wards ; think she not quite pleased ; think my good 
Lord find himself in false position ; think Jeeki glad 
to be on coast; think he no go back to Bonsa-Town 
no more. Oh my aunt ! no, he stop in England and 
go church twice on Sunday,” and pressing his big 
hands on the pit of his stomach he rocked and rolled 
in silent laughter. 

Then an owl hooted again immediately beneath 
the fence and Jeeki, blowing out the candle, opened 
the fiap of the tent and tapped the head porter, who 
stood outside, on the shoulder. He crept in and be- 
tween them they lifted the senseless Aylward and 
bore him to the V-shaped entrance of the Boma 
which was immediately opposite to the tent and, 
oddly enough, half open. Here the two other por- 
ters with whom Jeeki had performed some cere- 
mony, chanced to be on guard, the rest of their com- 
pany being stationed at a distance. Jeeki and the 
head porter went through the gap like men carrying 
a corpse to midnight burial, and presently in the 
darkness without two owls began to hoot. 

Now Aylward was laid upon a litter that had 
been prepared, and eight white-robed Asiki bearers 
stared at his gold mask in the faint starlight. 


THE LAST OF THE ASIKI 309 

I suppose he is not dead, brother,^’ said Owl 
No. 2 doubtfully. 

Nay, brother,’^ said Owl No. 1, feel his heart 
and his pulse. Not dead, only drunk. He will wake 
up by daylight, by which time you should be far 
upon your way. Be careful that he does not escape 
you, brother, for as you know he is very strong and 
cunning; and say to the Asika that Jeeki her serv- 
ant makes his reverence to her, and hopes that she 
will have many, many happy years with the hus- 
band that he sends her ; also that she will remember 
him whom she called ‘ Black Dog,’ in her prayers to 
the gods and spirits of our people.” 

It shall be done, brother, but why do you not 
return with us? ” 

“ Because, brother, I have ties across the Black 
Water — dear children, whom I love so much that I 
cannot leave them. Farewell, brethren, the bless- 
ings of the Bonsas be on you, and may you grow fat 
and prosper in the love and favour of our lady the 
Asika.” 

Farewell,” they murmured in answer. “ Good 
fortune be your bedfellow.” 

Another minute and they had lifted up the litter 
and vanished at a swinging trot into the shadow 
of the trees. Jeeki returned to the camp and or- 
dered the three men to re-stop the gateway with 
thorns, muttering in their ears : 

Kemember, brethren, one word of this and you 
die, all of you, as those die who break the oath.” 

'' Have we not sworn? ” they whispered, as they 
went back to their posts. 

Jeeki stood a while in front of the empty tent and 
if any had been there to note him, they might have 
seen a shadow as of compunction creep over his 
powerful black face. 


310 


THE YELLOW GOD 


When he wake up he won’t know where he are,” 
he reflected, and when he get to Bonsa-Town he’ll 
wonder where he is, and when he meet Asika ! 
Well, he very big blackguard; try to murder Major, 
whom Jeeki nurse as baby, the only thing that Jeeki 
care for — except Jeeki; try to make love to Miss 
Barbara against her will when he catch her alone 
in forest, which not playing game. Jeeki self not 
such big blackguard as that dirt-born noble Lord; 
Jeeki never murder no one — not quite; Jeeki never 
make love to girl what not want him — no need, so 
many what do that he have to shove them off, like 
good Christian man. Mrs. Jeeki see to that while 
she live. Also better that white man go call on 
Asika than Major and Missy Barbara and all por- 
ters, and Jeeki — specially Jeeki — get throat cut. 
No, no, Jeeki nothing to be ashamed of, Jeeki do 
good day’s work, though Jeeki keep it tight as wax 
since white folk such silly people, and when Major 
in a rage, he very nasty customer and see everything 
upside down. Now Jeeki quite tired, go say his 
prayers and have nap. No, think not in tent, though 
very comfortable. Major might wake up, poke his 
nose in there, and if he see black face instead of 
white one, ask ugly question, which if Jeeki half 
asleep he no able to answer. Still he just arrange 
things a little so they look all right.” 


CHAPTER XX 


THE ASIKA 

Dawn began to break in the forest and Alan 
woke in his shelter and stretched himself. He had 
slept soundly all the night, so soundly that the inno- 
cent Jeeki wondered much whether by any chance 
he also had taken a tot out of that whisky bottle, 
as indeed he had recommended him to do. People 
who drink whisky after long abstinence from spirits 
are apt to sleep long, he reflected. 

Alan crept out of the shelter and gazed affection- 
ately at the tent in which Barbara slumbered. 
Thank Heaven she was safe so far, as for some 
unknown reason evidently the Asiki had postponed 
their attack. Just then a clamour arose in the air, 
and he perceived Jeeki striding towards him waving 
one arm in an excited fashion, while with the other 
he dragged along the captain of the porters, who 
appeared to be praying for mercy. 

Here pretty go. Major,” he shouted, devil and 
all to pay! That my Lord, he gone and bolted. 
This silly fool say that three hours ago he hear 
something break through fence and think it only 
hysena what come to steal, so take no notice. Well, 
that hyaena, you guess who he is. You come look. 
Major, you come look, and then we tie this fellow 
up and flog him.” 

Alan ran to Aylward’s tent to And it empty. 

“ Look,” said Jeeki, who had followed, see how 
he do business, that jolly clever hyaena,” and he 

311 


312 


THE YELLOW GOD 


pointed to a broken whisky bottle and some severed 
cords. You see he manage break bottle and rub 
rope against cut glass till it come in two. Then he 
do hyaena dodge and hook it.’’ 

Alan inspected the articles, nor did any shadow 
of doubt enter his mind. 

Certainly he managed very well,” he said, for 
a London-bred man, but, Jeeki, what can have been 
his object? ” 

^^Ohl who know. Major? Mind of man very 
strange thing; p’raps he no bear to see you and Miss 
Barbara together; p’raps he bolt coast, get ear of 
local magistrate before you ; p’raps he sit up tree to 
shoot you ; p’raps nasty temper make him mad. But 
he gone any way, and I hope he no meet Asiki, poor 
fellow, ’cause if so, who know? p’raps they knock 
him on head, or if they think him you, they make 
him prisoner and keep him long while before they 
let him go again.” 

Well,” said Alan, “ he has gone of his own free 
will, so we have no responsibility in the matter, 
and I can’t pretend that I am sorry to see the last 
of him, at any rate for the present. Let that poor 
beggar loose, there seems to have been enough flog- 
ging in this place, and after all he isn’t much to 
blame.” 

Jeeki obeyed, apparently with much reluctance, 
and just then they saw one of their own people 
running towards the camp. 

’Praid he going to tell us Asiki come attack,” 
said Jeeki, shaking his head. Hope they give us 
time breakfast first.” 

No doubt,” answered Alan nervously, for he 
feared the result of that attack. 

Then the man arrived breathless and began to 
gasp out his news, which filled Alan with delight 


THE ASIKA 313 

and caused a look of utter amazement to appear 
upon the face of Jeeki. It was to the effect that he 
had climbed a high tree as he had been bidden to 
do, and from the top of that tree by the light of the 
first rays of the rising sun miles away on the plain 
beyond the forest, he had seen the Asiki army in 
full retreat. 

“ Thank God ! exclaimed Alan. 

Yes, Major, but that very rum story. Jeeki 
can’t swallow it all at once. Must send out see none 
of them left behind. P’raps they play trick, but if 
they really gone, ’spose it ’cause guns frightened 
them so much. Always think powder very great 
’vention, especially when enemy hain’t got none, 
and quite sure of it now. Jeeki very, very seldom 
wrong. Soon believe,” he added with a burst of 
confidence, that Jeeki never wrong at all. He look 
for truth so long that at last he find it always.” 

Something more than a month had gone by and 
Major and Mrs. Vernon, the latter fully restored to 
health and the most sweet and beautiful of brides, 
stood upon the steamship Benin, and as the sun 
sank, looked their last upon the coast of Western 
Africa. 

‘‘ Yes, dear,” Alan was saying to his wife, from 
first to last it has been a very queer story, but I 
really think that our getting that Asiki gold after 
all was one of the queerest parts of it ; also uncom- 
monly convenient, as things have turned out.” 

Namely that you have got a little pauper for a 
wife instead of a great heiress, Alan. But tell me 
again about the gold. I have had so much to think 
of during the last few days,” and she blushed, 
that I never quite took it all in.” 

Well, love, there isn’t much to tell. When that 


314 


THE YELLOW GOD 


forwarding agent, Mr. Aston, knew that we were in 
the town, he came to me and said that he had about 
fifty small cases full of something heavy, as he sup- 
posed samples of ore, addressed to me to your care 
in England which he was proposing to ship on by 
the Benin. I answered ‘ Yes, that was all right,’ and 
did not undeceive him about their contents. Then 
I asked how they had arrived, and if he had not 
received a letter with them. He replied that one 
morning before the warehouse was open, some na- 
tives had brought them down in a canoe, and 
dumped them at the door, telling the watchman 
that they had been paid to deliver them there by 
some other natives whom they met a long way up 
the river. Then they went away without leaving 
any letter or message. Well, I thanked Aston and 
paid his charges and there’s an end of the matter. 
Those fifty-three cases are now in the hold invoiced 
as ore samples and, as I inspected them myself and 
am sure that they have not been tampered with, 
besides the value of the necklace the Asika gave me 
we’ve got £100,000 to begin our married life upon 
with something over for old Jeeki, and I daresay 
we shall do very well on that.” 

Yes, Alan, very well indeed.” Then she re- 
flected a while, for the mention of Jeeki’s name 
seemed to have made her thoughtful, and added, 
Alan, what do you think became of Lord 
Aylward? ” 

I am sure I don’t know. Jeeki and I and some 
of the porters went to see the Old Calabar officials 
and made affidavits as to the circumstances of his 
disappearance. We couldn’t do any more, could 
we? ” 

“ No, Alan. But do you think that Jeeki quite 
understands the meaning of an oath? I mean it 


THE ASIKA 


315 


seems so strange that we should never have found 
the slightest trace of him, and, Alan, I don’t know 
if you noticed it, but why did Jeeki appear that 
morning wearing Lord Ayl ward’s socks and boots? ” 
He ought to know all about oaths, he has heard 
enough of them in Magistrates’ Courts, but as re- 
gards boots, I am sure I can’t say, dear,” answered 
Alan uneasily. Here he comes, we will ask him,” 
and he did. 

Socks and boots,” replied Jeeki, with a sur- 
prised air, why, Mrs. Major, if that good lord go 
mad and cut off into forest leaving them behind, of 
course I put them on, as they no more use to him, 
and I just burn my dirty old Asiki dress and san- 
dals and got nothing to keep jigger out of toe. 
Don’t you sit up here in this cold, Mrs. Major, else 
you get more fever. You go down and dress dinner, 
which at half-past six to-night. I just come tell you 
that.” 

So Barbara went, leaving the other two talking 
about various matters, for they were alone together 
on the deck, all the other passengers, of whom there 
were but few, having gone below. 

The short African twilight had come, a kind of 
soft blue haze that made the ship look mysterious 
and unnatural. By degrees their conversation died 
away. They lapsed into a silence, which Alan was 
the first to break. 

What are you thinking of, Jeeki,” he asked 
nervously. 

“ Thinking of Asika, Major,” he answered in a 
scared whisper. “ Seem to me that she about some- 
where, just as she use pop up in room in Gold 
House; seem to me I feel her all down my back, 
likewise in head wool, which stand up.” 


316 


THE YELLOW GOD 


It’s very odd, Jeeki,” replied Allen, “ but so 
do I.” 

Well, Major, ’spect she thinking of us, specially 
you, and just throw what she think at us, like boy 
throw stones at bird what fly away out of cage. 
Asika do all that, you know, she not quite human, 
full of plenty Bonsa devil, from generation to gen- 
ration, amen! P’raps she just find out something 
what make her mad.” 

What could she find out after all this time, 
Jeeki? ” 

Oh, don’t know. How I know? Jeeki can’t 
guess. Find out you marry Miss Barbara, p’raps. 
Very sick that she lose you for this time, p’raps. 
Kill herself that she keep near you, p’raps, while 
she wait till you come round again, n’rans. Asika 
can do all these things if she like. Major.” 

Stuff and rubbish,” answered Alan uneasily, 
for Jeeki’s suggestions were most uncomfortable. 

I believe in none of your West Coast supersti- 
tions.” 

Quite right. Major, nor don’t I. Only you 
’member Major, what she show us there in Treasure- 
place — Mr. Haswell being buried, eh? Miss Bar- 
bara in tent, eh?, and t’other job what hasn’t come 
off yet, eh?, and oh! my golly! Major, just you 
look behind you and say you see nothing, please,” 
and the eyes of Jeeki grew large as Maltese oranges, 
while with chattering teeth he pointed over the bul- 
wark of the vessel. 

Alan turned and saw. 

This was what he saw or seemed to see: The 
figure of the Asika in her robes and breastplate of 
gold, standing upon the air, just beyond the ship, 
as though on it she might set no foot. Her waving 
black hair hung about her shoulders, but the wind 


THE ASIKA 


317 

did not seem to stir it nor did her white dress flut- 
ter, and on her beautiful face was stamped a look 
of awful rage and agony, the rage of betrayal, the 
agony of loss. In her right hand she held a knife, 
and from a wound in her breast the red blood ran 
down her golden corselet. She pointed to Jeeki 
with the knife, she opened her arms to Alan as 
though in unutterable longing, then slowly raised 
them upwards towards the fading glory of the sky 
above — and was gone. 

Jeeki sat down upon the deck, mopping his brow 
with a red handkerchief, while Alan, who felt faint, 
clung to the bulwarks. 

Tell you. Major, that Asika can do all that 
kind of thing. Never know where you And her 
next. ’Spect she come to live with us in England 
and just call in now and again when it dark. Tell 
you, she very awkward customer, think p’raps you 
done better stop there and marry her. Well, she 
gone now, thank Heaven ! seem to drop in sea and 
hope she stop there.” 

“ Jeeki,” said Alan, recovering himself, listen 
to me; this is all infernal nonsense; we have gone 
through a great deal and the nerves of both of us 
are overstrained. We think we saw what we did 
not see, and if you dare to say a single word of it 
to your mistress I’ll break your neck. Do you 
understand? ” 

Yes, Major, think so. All ’fernal nonsense, 
nerves strained, didn’t see what we see, and say 
nothing of what did see to Mrs. Major, if either do 
say anything, t’other one break his neck. That all 
right, quite understand. Anything else. Major? ’• 

Yes, Jeeki. We have had some wonderful ad- 
ventures, but they are past and done with and the 


318 


THE YELLOW GOD 


less we talk or even think about them the better, 
for there is a lot that would be rather difficult to 
explain, and that if explained would scarce be be- 
lieved.’’ 

Yes, Major, for instance, very difficult explain 
Mrs. Barbara how Asika so fond of you if you only 
tell her, ^ Go away, go away ! ’ all the time, like old 
saint-gentleman to pretty girl in picture. P’raps 
she smell rat.” 

Stop your ribald talk,” said Alan in a stern 
voice. It would be better if instead of making 
jokes you gave thanks to Providence for bringing 
both of us alive and well out of very dreadful dan- 
gers. Now I am going to dress for dinner,” and 
with an anxious glance seaward in the gathering 
darkness, he turned and went. 

Jeeki stood alone upon the empty deck, wagging 
his great head to and fro and soliloquizing thus: 

Wonder if Major see what under lady Asika’s 
feet when she stand out there over nasty deep. 
Think not or he say something. That noble lord 
not look nice. No, private view for Jeeki only, 
free ticket and nothing to pay and me hope it no 
come back when I go bed. Major know nothing 
about it, so he not see, but Jeeki know a lot. Hope 
that Ay 1 ward not write any letters home, or if he 
write, hope no one post them. Ghost bad enough, 
but murder, oh my ! ” 

He paused a while, then went on : 

Jeeki do big sacrifice to Bonsa when he reach 
Yarleys, get lamb in back kitchen at night, or if 
ghost come any more, calf in wood outside. Not 
steal it, pay for it himself. Then think Jeeki turn 
Cath’lic; confess his sins, they say them priest 
chaps not split, and after they got his sins, they 
tackle Asika and Bonsas too,” and he uttered a 


THE ASIKA 319 

series of penitent groans, turning slowly round and 
round to be sure that nothing was behind him. 

Just then the full moon appeared out of a bank 
of C'louds, and as it rose higher, flooding the world 
with light, Jeeki’s spirits rose also. 

Asika never come in moonshine,’^ he said, that 
not the game, against rule, and after all, what Jeeki 
done bad? He very good fellow really. Aylward 
great villain, serve him jolly well right if Asika 
spiflicate him, that not Jeeki’s fault. What Jeeki 
do, he do to save master and missus who he love. 
Care nothing for his self, ready die any day. Keep 
it dark to save them too, ’cause they no like the 
story. If once they know, it always leave taste in 
mouth, same as bad oyster. Also Jeeki manage 
very well, take Major safe Asiki-land (’cause Lit- 
tle Bonsa make him), give him very interesting 
time there, get him plenty gold, nurse him when he 
sick, nobble Mungana, bring him out again, find 
Miss Barbara, catch hated rival and bamboozle 
all Asiki army, bring happy pair to coast and marry 
them, arrange first-class honeymoon on ship — Jeeki 
do all these things, and lots more he could tell, if 
he vain and not poor humble nigger.” 

Once more he paused a while, lost in the con- 
templation of his own modesty and virtues, then 
continued : 

This very ungrateful world. Major there, he 
not say, ‘ Thank you, Jeeki, Jeeki, you great, won- 
derful man. Brave Jeeki, artful Jeeki. Jeeki 
smart as paint who make all world believe just 
what he like, and one too many for Asika herself.’ 
No, no, he say nothing like that. He say ‘ thank 
Providence,’ not ‘ Jeeki,’ as though Providence do 
all them things. White folk think they clever, 
but great fools really, don’t know nothing. Provi- 


320 


THE YELLOW GOD 


dence all very well in his way — p’raps, but Provi- 
dence not a patch on Jeeki. 

Hullo ! moon get behind cloud and there second 
bell; think Jeeki go down and wait dinner; lonely 
up here and sure Asika never stand ’lectric light.” 


THE END 



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